Common mallow - Malva sylvestris (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Common mallow

Also known as: Tall Mallow, Cheese Flower, Hock Herb, Maws, High mallow, Marsh mallow

The common mallow is an ornamental plant with a large variety of cultivars. It has historically also been used to create a yellow dye. Common mallow seeds are shaped roughly like cheese wheels, leading the seeds (and sometimes the plant itself) being called "cheeses."

Scientific classification

Species

Common mallow (Malva sylvestris)

Mallows, rock-roses, and allies

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Perennial, Biennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

50 cm to 1.2 m

Plant Height

60 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

3 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

Pink, Purple, Violet

Flower Color

Green, Pink

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Semi-evergreen, Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Common mallow

Distribution of Common mallow

Distribution Map

The common mallow is native to Macaronesia, Europe to Central Asia, and Afghanistan. It naturally grows in meadows and waste areas, though it's commonly seen in man-made habitats and fields. It was introduced to many parts of North America, South America, Africa, and New Zealand, where it's widely cultivated.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Waste ground, Field verges, Roadsides

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Common mallow (Malva sylvestris) is a common wildflower that has enough appeal to merit growing in meadows and wildlife gardens but is a less common feature of ornamental gardens. However, the purple flowers have visual appeal and attract bees, and the plant needs very little maintenance. It is most commonly planted to add attractive color to beds and borders. Other wildflowers like sweet William and meadow cranesbill look great with this plant.

Symbolism

Love, protection and health

Name Story

Common mallow: The plant was pleasant when it first blossomed, but with the advent of summer, its leaves lost their green color, making its stems look uneven. Since it is the most common Malva plant in which Malva means mallow, so it is most often called common mallow.

Cheese-flower: If you are lucky enough to see its seeds, do observe the shape of the seeds carefully. You will find that they look very similar to cheese wheel. This inspired the common name, cheese-flower.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Common mallow, including the following common varieties :

Common mallow 'Primley Blue'

Toxicity

Common mallow ingestion causes gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and indigestion. Harmful in nitrogen-rich soil, its leaves' high nitrate content can form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Those with gallstones should avoid it. High quantities can cause dehydration due to laxative properties.

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Weed Control

Originating from Eurasia and northern Africa, common mallow has been naturalized across the world, only having not been reported in Antarctica. Despite its nativity, it is regarded as invasive in Europe, as well as several other countries it's found in, including the US and Chile. The seeds common mallow produces are thick-coated and can survive long periods of time in soil. When they sprout, the taproots they extend are so woody and thick, they become cumbersome to remove with bare hands or tools. If allowed to grow and flower, removal is effectively impossible due to the high number of seeds it will distribute.

How to Control It

The best time to control or remove common mallow is in the early spring or late fall before it sets seeds. This is crucial to prevent the plant from spreading uncontrollably.

Hand-pulling: Safely grip the base of common mallow and pull it from the soil, making sure to remove the root to prevent regrowth.
Mulching: Spread a thick layer of organic mulch around the plants to suppress the growth of common mallow by blocking sunlight and minimizing seed germination.
Mowing: Regularly mow the area where common mallow is growing to prevent it from reaching the seeding stage, keeping it in check.
Boiling water: Pour boiling water directly onto the foliage and base of common mallow to effectively kill the plant without using chemicals.
Plant competition: Cultivate other robust plants alongside common mallow that will outcompete it for resources, naturally limiting its growth.

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Care Guide for Common mallow

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Common mallow thrives in temperate regions, preferring consistent moisture without waterlogging and well-drained soil. Water weekly to maintain hydration without over-saturation. While typically cultivated outdoors, common mallow shows robust growth when moisture levels are managed, particularly during its active growing season.

Fertilize: Common mallow requires monthly application of balanced nutrition fertilizers during active growth to promote healthy foliage and blooms. Use a quarter-strength, water-soluble blend applied to damp soil. In winter, reduce fertilization, ensuring even distribution near the root zone for optimal results.

Pruning: Common mallow boasts attractive purple flowers and rapid growth. Prune in early to late spring, removing one-third of its height and focusing on older branches to promote bushiness and flowering. Use sharp, clean tools to prevent infection and manage its spread effectively.

Propagation: The best time to propagate common mallow is in spring and summer using cuttings. This method is moderately easy, with successful growth indicated by new leaf development. Maintaining a consistently moist environment is crucial for optimal growth.

Repotting: Spring is the best time to repot common mallow, every 2-3 years due to its growth. Use a pot one size larger, place common mallow in indirect sunlight, keep the soil moist, and refrain from fertilizing for a month to reduce root stress.

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Images of Common mallow

Distribution of Common mallow

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Common mallow

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