What is musk mallow? A close cousin to the old-fashioned hollyhock, musk mallow is an upright perennial with fuzzy, palm-shaped leaves. Rosy-pink, five-petaled blooms decorate the plant from early summer through autumn. Also known as Australian hollyhock or musk rose, musk mallow is a colorful, low-maintenance addition to the garden, attracting scads of honeybees and butterflies. Read on to learn about growing musk mallow.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Malva moschata, the musk mallow or musk-mallow, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae, native to Europe and southwestern Asia, from Spain north to the British Isles and Poland, and east to southern Russia and Turkey.
The leaves are alternate, 2–8 cm long and 2–8 cm broad, palmately lobed with five to seven lobes; basal leaves on the lower stem are very shallowly lobed, those higher on the stems are deeply divided, with narrow, acuminate lobes. The flowers are produced in clusters in the leaf axils, each flower 3.2–5 cm in diameter, with five bright pink petals with a truncated to notched apex; they have a distinctive musky odour. The fruit is a disc-shaped schizocarp 3–6 mm in diameter, containing 10–16 seeds, the seeds individually enclosed in a mericarp covered in whitish hairs. It has a chromosome count of 2n=42.
It occurs on dry, but fertile soils at altitudes from sea level up to 1,500 m (4,900 ft). Natural hybrids with the closely related Malva alcea are occasionally found.
The flowers are usually pollinated by bees.
II. How to Grow and Care
Repot musk mallow every 2-3 years to accommodate its moderate growth as a bushy perennial. Optimal repotting should be done in spring, promoting post-winter recovery and aligning with its growth cycle. Choose a medium-sized container to ensure adequate space for root expansion. After repotting, water musk mallow moderately, avoiding oversaturation, and place in a spot with full sun to partial shade to thrive.
Sunlight
The musk mallow generally requires full sun exposure. It may thrive under partial shade, but this will negatively reflect on its blooms. A plant that is shaded will produce fewer flowers, so try to provide at least six hours of full sun a day. If provided with enough sunlight, your musk mallow will not need to be staked.
Temperature
The musk mallow can grow under a broad range of temperature conditions, with bushier varieties usually able to handle warmer temperatures. This is a hardy plant, able to withstand a winter that drops down to -40 ℃. Some varieties, like the Tree musk mallow, can handle drought well once established, and will burst back into life when the rains return.
Watering
Thriving in its native environment of temperate regions, musk mallow has adapted to a consistent moisture regime, indicative of its preference for stable hydration. This species exhibits moderate drought tolerance and favors a balance between dryness and humidity. Watering should align with this equilibrium, translating to once every week. In outdoor settings, musk mallow benefits from the natural rain patterns which complement irrigation schedules. As an herbaceous perennial, musk mallow’s water uptake is closely tied to its active growing season; ensuring adequate moisture during this period is crucial for optimal growth and flowering.
Soil
The musk mallow is not picky about its growing substrate. It can handle both clay and sandy soils and will adapt to most gardens. It doesn’t necessarily require rich organic soils, and fertilizers are not a must. It will grow in neutral soil, but most will thrive if the soil pH is around 7.0.
Fertilizing
For musk mallow, apply a balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 mix at planting and just as they begin to flower, enhancing bloom quality and plant vigor. Annual springtime feeding is sufficient; over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of blooms. Use caution; follow the label’s recommended rates, typically a scant handful around the base. As musk mallow adapts to seasonal growth, reduce feeding after the flowering period to prevent spurring late-season growth vulnerable to frost. Water well post-fertilization to aid nutrient absorption.
Pruning
The musk mallow, especially the bushier varieties, benefits from occasional pruning. Trimming should be done in late winter or early spring when the frosts have passed. If freshly pruned plant tissue is exposed to freezing temperatures, it can be damaged by frostbite. Trim the shoots down to the first set of leaves, which will stimulate new and healthy dense growth. Use clean, sharp shears and always disinfect your tools in between the cuts to reduce the chances of possible cross-contamination.
Propagation
For successful musk mallow propagation, sow seeds in Spring and lightly cover with soil. This plant’s propagation difficulty is moderate, with emerging seedlings as a sign of success. Ensure proper light and soil moisture for optimal results.
Transplanting
The perfect time to transplant musk mallow is between mid to late spring, as it sets strong roots and adapts well. Opt for a location with well-draining soil and full sun or partial shade. If necessary, add some organic matter to enhance soil quality for better growth.
Repotting
Repot musk mallow every 2-3 years to accommodate its moderate growth as a bushy perennial. Optimal repotting should be done in spring, promoting post-winter recovery and aligning with its growth cycle. Choose a medium-sized container to ensure adequate space for root expansion. After repotting, water musk mallow moderately, avoiding oversaturation, and place in a spot with full sun to partial shade to thrive.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Musk mallow is a very common perennial primarily loved for its musky scent. Its flowers last for most of the summer, making it a welcome addition to any bed. Musk mallow goes perfectly in cottage or wildflower gardens and contrasts nicely with most other varieties of flowers. It grows rather tall, so plant it near the middle or back if grown with groundcover plants. Geraniums, fuchsias, and anemones are great options for companion plants.
- Culinary uses
Leaves and flowers of muskmallow are common additions to “wild” salads. The seeds are also edible.
