Malva mauritiana

Refers to a subspecies of the wood malva. This variety is resistant to drought and hot weather and several garden varieties of mallow have been developed on its basis. It is a biennial or perennial plant with light green 5 to 9 palmate leaves. Leaf fingers have a rounded shape. Flowers are funnel-shaped, reaching a diameter of 5 cm. The flowering period comes quite late, often already in August, and lasts until frosts. The upright shoots reach 120-150 cm in height.

Contains many useful substances (carotene, vitamin C, etc.). Young shoots are used for food, and flowers and leaves rich in mucus are used in medicine as an enveloping and anti-inflammatory agent. It is cultivated as a valuable medicinal, food and ornamental plant.

Latin name: Malva sylvestris L

Care: Dampness should be avoided. It is recommended to tie the stems to stakes to avoid damage from wind. Remove the flowers that have blossomed to prolong the flowering period. After flowering, the inflorescences are cut back. If lower-than-normal shrubs are desired, the shoots can be pruned in spring. 

Sowing: Sow seeds outdoors in early April. The distance between the seeds 40-50 cm. Sprouts appear in 10-20 days. Seeds may be sown in February - March, because it takes about 4 months from sowing to the appearance of the first flowers. Plants planted in seedlings begin to flower as early as May and finish in September. Prefers a sunny, wind-protected location. The soil needs to be light and well-drained.