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Althaea officinalis

Althaea officinalis
Marsh mallow

19 reviews
4,6/5
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Young plant arrived moist, in perfect condition, in clever packaging. This flower supplier keeps its promises!

Gerard, 16/05/2023

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

Value-for-money
Althaea officinalis, also known as the officinal marsh mallow, was once used to make marshmallows.
Flower size
4 cm
Height at maturity
1.50 m
Spread at maturity
1 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -29°C
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Recommended planting time March to May
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Flowering time July to September
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Description

Althaea officinalis, also known as marsh mallow or wild marsh mallow, was once used to make marshmallows.

 

A fast-growing perennial shrub, it has an upright and slender habit, reaching 1.5m (5ft) in height with a 1m (3ft) spread when fully grown.

The abundant flowers measure 4cm (2in) in diameter. They are pale-pink shaded with mauve, which earns them the nickname "wild mauve". Their foliage is fuzzy and green-grey.

The root of this plant was used in the past to make marshmallows (now replaced by animal collagen). Extracts from its roots are still used in homeopathy.

Originally from North Africa, it thrives in sunny positions with rich and well-drained soil. It tolerates drought well. Hardy to -12°C (10.4°F), it is susceptible to cold and wet conditions and can die from excess water in winter.

 

 

Althaea officinalis in pictures

Althaea officinalis (Flowering) Flowering
Althaea officinalis (Foliage) Foliage
Althaea officinalis (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour mauve
Flowering time July to September
Flower size 4 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.50 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Althaea

Species

officinalis

Family

Malvaceae

Other common names

Marsh mallow

Origin

Mediterranean

Planting and care

Plant Althaea officinalis in a sunny location with rich and moist soil. Use cut flowers to make bouquets. Pruning stimulates growth and makes the plants stronger. You can also give them a shaping pruning in spring, especially if the winter has been very harsh. These plants have a lifespan of 5 to 6 years. In large flower beds, replace one out of every three plants each year. In regions with humid winters, cultivate them in elevated areas, facing south, in poor, sandy or rocky soil.

Planting period

Recommended planting time March to May

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Back of border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light)

Care

Pruning instructions Cut back any old stems in late winter to a height of 40cm (16in) to maintain a compact habit.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March to April
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,6/5

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