Malva moschata var. alba
Garden Plant Information

Malva moschata var. alba

 

Name

Malva moschata var. alba (also called Musk mallow)

Genus  

Malva

Species

moschata var. alba

Cultivar/variety

 

General description

Upright herbaceous perennial grown for pure white flowers in summer, this is the white variety of the pink wild flower. It is easy to grow from seed and will flower in its first year and, although the plant itself is not long-lived, it will self seed if it is happy.

 

Attractive to wildlife, especially bees and bumblebees, so good for a wildlife garden or mixed border.

Season of interest

Flowers in summer.

Key horticultural features

  1. Habit - generally upright, but can sprawl a bit and may need support. H: 1m S: 50cm

  2. Stem - alternate, straight, mid-green, pale, lightly haired.

  3. Leaves - the lower leaves are heart-shaped, whilst higher up the plant they are deeply lobed, with an attractive fern-like appearance.

  4. Flowers - five slightly overlapping white petals arranged in a saucer shape, the flower is approximately 5cm across. The staminal column and anthers are pale pink.

 

Cultural details

Aspect

Sun or shade. Tolerates exposed areas.

Soil

Not fussy about soil pH, but it should be moist but well-drained or well-drained.

Hardiness

Hardy

Maintenance

Little needed - tidy up old stems and foliage in spring before it starts to grow again. Collect seed in late summer.

 

Susceptible to the same rust and leaf spot that affects hollyhocks, though not usually as severely. Not generally bothered by pests, except for occasional slug or snail damage.

Propagation

 

Easy by seed sown in spring, or take cuttings in summer.