Malva moschata (Musk mallow)

Botanical name

Malva moschata

Other names

Musk mallow

Genus

Malva Malva

Species

M. moschata - M. moschata is a perennial with pale-pink, saucer-shaped flowers from summer to early autumn.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Upright

Colour

Flower

Pale-pink in Summer; Pale-pink in Autumn

Foliage

Green in Summer; Green in Autumn

How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific diseases

Leaf spot , Rust

General care

Pruning

If desired, cut back low as flowers fade to encourage a second flush of flowers.

Propagation methods

Basal cuttings, Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Malva moschata (Musk mallow) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Wildflower, Wildlife

Cultivation

Plant in free-draining soil in a sunny position. It may require support.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Malva moschata (Musk mallow)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Malva moschata (Musk mallow)

Common pest name

cotton mealybug

Scientific pest name

Phenacoccus solenopsis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Watching brief for potential impact on tomato production in the Mediterranean. Other southern European countries likely to be more at risk. Precautionary action will be taken on findings on planting material to protect glasshouse crops and botanical gardens.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Malva moschata (Musk mallow)

Common pest name

Sugarbeet webworm; Weevil; Australian tomato; Weevil; vegetable

Scientific pest name

Listroderes costirostris

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Awareness needs to be maintained due to the risk of entry as a 'hitchhiker' and monitoring of the pest in countries where it is known to be present.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/