Malva arborea (Tree Mallow) seeds

Robust, architectural, native wildflower growing up to 3m!  Bears tall spikes of large, deep pink flowers with darker veins above velvety green leaves. In its natural habitat by the sea it grows as an annual or biennial as it is often killed in winter by frosts and wind damage.  In sheltered inland gardens however, the Tree Mallow can be perennial.  Wherever it grows, it sets seed freely and due to its fast growth can flower the first year from seed.

Hardy Biennial/Annual
Flowers: June to September
Height: to 3m
Position: Sun in well drained soil

Packet of 25 seeds

Seed bred in the UK. 

RHS Plants for Pollinators. 

The RHS Plants for Pollinators mark is only given to plants that support pollinating insects. Find out more at rhs.org.uk/plantsforpollinators

GROWING GUIDE

Seeds can be sown outdoors where they are to flower during spring or autumn,  or indoors at any time.

Indoors

Sow on the surface of moist, free-draining seed compost in pots or seed trays and just cover with a very thin sprinkling of compost.  Propagate at 15 to 20 C in a propagator or on a windowsill shaded from direct sun.  Germination should begin within about 3 weeks but can sometimes be slow and erratic so patience might be needed!

When the seedlings emerge, grow them on at a slightly cooler temperature and pot them up when they have their second set of leaves into 9cm pots.

Harden the plants off by placing them outdoors during the day for 10 days before planting out after the last frosts.

Outdoors

Prepare bare soil or bare patches in grass by digging out weeds/grass and raking over.  Water well, leave for a few weeks and dig out any new weeds/grass. Scatter seeds on the surface and press lightly into soil.  Water with a fine spray/mist.  Remove any obvious weeds as they appear and keep area well watered in dry weather.

Cut down plants in autumn after they have set seed and remove any weeds. Rake over any bare patches and firm the soil.   New plants will emerge in spring.