Malope trifida - Mallowwort

This Mallow with large varied flowers, in Latin Malope trifida, is an annual plant that has fallen out of fashion despite its many qualities that once made it a staple in our grandparents' gardens. As easy to grow as lavatera, its satin funnel-shaped flowers are finer and prettier, displaying shades of pink, purple or white depending on the plants. Very useful for quickly filling space in flowerbeds, these dense yet light plants are reliable and heat-resistant. The flowers can also be cut for bouquets. It is best to sow them directly in the ground in spring and grow them in deep, well-draining soil in a sunny spot.

Malope trifida is an herbaceous annual plant in the Malvaceae family, closely related to hibiscus, lavatera, and hollyhocks. It is native to the western Mediterranean, particularly Spain. The mixed variety of large-flowered Mallow consists of bushy, ramified plants with a dense habit, measuring 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24in) in height. Throughout summer, large funnel-shaped flowers measuring 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3in) in diameter appear, both vibrant and graceful. The silky texture of the petals enhances their colouring. The flowers are short-lived, but the plants produce a profusion of buds that continue to bloom throughout the summer. The flowering is attractive to bees and is followed by decorative fruiting in dried bouquets. The upright and ramified stems are covered with slightly glossy, round and trilobed leaves in a vibrant green colour. Mallows grow from a taproot, which makes transplanting a bit delicate with well-developed plants. Therefore, it is preferable to sow them directly in the ground.

This Mallow with large and varied flowers brings life to the garden even in the midst of a heatwave. This annual easily withstands high temperatures and appears even more beautiful and floriferous under scorching sun. Sow mallow in flowerbeds to quickly create large patches of colour. This plant is valuable for filling gaps in perennial and shrub beds, as well as in brand new gardens. Pair it, for example, with cornflowers, wild mallows, coreopsis, and gauras. Their vibrant colours allow them to easily blend into any flowerbed or garden. The white blooms go perfectly with the acid green and feathery foliage of fennel, with grasses, or the sky blue flowers of perennial flax.