Common mallow
Malva sylvestris
Common mallow is a perennial for focal point, mid-border, suited to full sun to partial shade and clay, loam or chalk, flowering Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
| Type | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Mature height | 90 cm |
| Spread | 60 cm |
| Aspect | full sun to partial shade |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Hardiness | USDA 4a-8b, RHS H5 |
| Pollinator-friendly | Yes |
| Pet-safe | Not confirmed |
Where to use it in a border
At around 90 cm, it sits best toward the back of a border, or on its own as a focal point with room around it. Give it about 60 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 4a to 8b and rated H5 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.
It appears in our lists of full sun, clay soil, chalk soil, pollinator-friendly plants.
Border Builder uses Common mallow's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.
Flowering through the year
Worth knowing
- Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.
Good companions
Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:
- American Wisteria 'Amethyst Falls'for height behind it
- Coral Honeysucklefor height behind it
- Cowslipto edge in front
- Hawthornfor height behind it
- Moss Phloxto edge in front
- Primroseto edge in front