How to Grow and Care for Marshmallows

The marsh-mallow (Althaea officinalis) is a moisture-loving fleshy perennial plant that thrives in areas where other plants would rot. Since it is a bog-loving species, it has been cultivated into varieties that can be planted and used to control shoreline erosion. Once established, they reseed themselves easily. As its name suggests, the marsh-mallow plant was the original basis for sweet marshmallow confections (though most modern marshmallows are no longer made that way).

Palm-leaf marshmallow features intricate flowers atop tall, think stems. The plant is sporting marshmallow-pink flowers and palm leaves. The perennial herb grows naturally in cultivated and waste ground.

Rough marsh mallow (Althaea hirsuta) is an attractive wildflower that is easy to identify by its pretty pink spring-blooming flowers and its hairy leaves. The specific epithet, hirsuta, refers to these leaves as the word translates to "hairy." Sadly this species is threatened in Malta and is listed on that nation's Red Data Book.