Planting, caring for and cutting mallows in the garden | NDR.de – Guide – Garden

In addition to the Hollyhocks, wild mallow, bush mallow and musk mallow are among the most popular species or varieties in the mallow family (Malvaceae). What they all have in common is that they are very undemanding and easy to care for. Some species are perennial, others only biennial, some varieties only thrive in beds, others can also be cultivated in pots. With their striking flowers, mallows are not only very attractive eye-catchers in the garden, they also attract many insects and bloom continuously.

Mallows: location, cutting and care

Mallows love sunny locations. Almost all species are otherwise quite undemanding.

Mallows love sunny locations, but can also cope with partially shaded areas. Hollyhocks and bush mallows in particular, which grow relatively tall, prefer sheltered locations that are not too windy. A sunny spot in the garden is also a good protection against mallow rust, which can form if moisture on the leaves does not dry quickly enough.

Mallows prefer nutrient-rich, permeable soil. Adding compost in spring also encourages flowering and budding, otherwise the undemanding plants do not need any fertilizer. Mallows usually cope well with dry conditions, but they should be watered regularly during a long drought. The ideal time to plant is spring. Depending on the variety, propagation can be done via seeds or cuttings. Pruning after flowering helps the plant to bloom beautifully again.

Cutting and propagating hollyhocks

Hollyhocks decorate farm gardens in many places. They sow themselves after flowering.

Typical for the Hollyhocks (Alcea) are characterized by their straight, candle-like growth. The plant, which grows up to two meters tall, only develops its large flowers in the second year and is winter hardy. Hollyhocks are available in many different colors – from white to yellow, pink and red to violet and almost black. They bloom continuously almost all summer – from July to September. Hollyhocks are actually biennial plants, but many varieties survive for several years if the flowers are removed before the seeds form.

If the flower heads remain on the plant, numerous seeds will form and the hollyhock will sow itself. Alternatively, you can collect the seeds after flowering in August and September and sow them either directly or in the following spring.

Wild mallow: flowering and easy to care for

A characteristic feature of the wild mallow are the dark stripes in the flower. They show insects the way to the center of the flower.

A typical plant for natural gardens is the wild mallow (Malva sylvestris). Because of its fruits, which look like small cheese wheels, it is also known as the cheese poplar. It blooms pink or purple and can grow up to 120 centimeters tall. The darker longitudinal stripes in the flowers are characteristic. This undemanding summer flower grows wild in meadows and forests, but can also be planted in the garden. A particularly attractive cultivated form is the Mauritanian mallow with its delicate, purple flowers.

In spring, you can sow wild mallow directly outdoors or plant the young plants that have been raised in advance. The annual plant is very flowering and reseeds itself.

Cutting and propagating bush mallow

Bush mallows produce many flowers and can grow up to two meters tall.

The shrub-like bush mallow (Lavatera hybrids) can grow up to two meters tall, depending on the variety, and produces white, pink or red flowers. It blooms for a very long time – from June until late autumn. The lower parts of the perennial plant become woody. Bush mallows are only partially hardy, so it is best to cover them with leaves or brushwood in the event of frost. For lush blooms, prune them back heavily in early spring.

Bush mallows can be propagated very well by cuttings: To do this, cut off a shoot at least ten centimeters long in spring, which is already slightly woody at the bottom, and place it in Plant in potting soil. Place the pot with the cutting in a warm, bright location and water regularly. After a while, roots will form and the young plant can be planted out in the garden.

Musk mallow: insect-friendly perennial

The delicate flowers of the musk mallow look particularly beautiful in wildflower meadows and in front of dry stone walls.

The musk mallow (Malva moschata) is comparatively small, reaching a height of up to 60 centimetres. It flowers until October and attracts many Bees and other useful insects are attracted to the shrub. The perennial owes its name to the intense scent that the pink petals give off when you rub them between your fingers. The musk mallow also copes well with dry locations. Pruning after flowering helps the hardy plant to sprout vigorously again the following year.

Mallow: Non-hardy pot plant

The flowers of the hollyhock are usually bell-shaped. The plant is very floriferous, but not winter hardy.

Visually, the Abutilon is clearly different from other mallow species due to its bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are usually yellow, orange, red or pink, and the leaves are velvety soft. The perennial plant can grow up to three meters tall. Abutilon is not winter hardy, so it is usually grown in pots. It can overwinter in a bright, not too warm place in the house. Abutilon blooms from around April to October. Compared to other mallow species, however, it requires significantly more care. In summer, it must be watered a lot and fertilized regularly. Abutilon likes bright locations that are protected from wind and rain and away from the blazing midday sun.

Treating mallow rust

If the leaves of some plants are yellowish-brown and have holes in them, it is probably the typical mallow rust. The cause of the disease is a fungus. Cut off infected leaves quickly and dispose of them in the garbage. Do not Add compost to prevent the fungus from spreading. A decoction of field horsetail can help prevent mallow rust. Spray the decoction onto the leaves regularly from April onwards.

Making mallow tea from flowers

Mallow leaves and flowers are edible and are ideal for decorating desserts, cakes, salads or cheese platters. The dried flowers of the wild mallow and musk mallow can also be used to make an aromatic tea that can relieve sore throats and coughs as well as stomach and intestinal problems.

Further information

Hollyhocks and foxgloves are typical biennial flowers, they fit perfectly into natural gardens. Once sown, they reproduce and complement perennial beds. more

Hibiscus is a great eye-catcher in the garden. Hardy varieties should be cut regularly to ensure strong blooms. more