Musk Mallow (Malva muchata) 3 plants in 3 X 7 cm square pots
Musk Mallow (Malva Muschata), is in the same family as Hollyhocks, the Malvacea, but whereas Hollyhocks are believed to have originated in East Asia, Musk Mallow is native to the UK. Both have large individual flowers arising from the axis of a leaf, with five petals.
It is found growing wild throughout England and Wales, less commonly in Scotland, flowering mainly in July and August, and is widely grown as a garden plant.
Value to wildlife
The large flowers are an attractive source of nectar for butterflies, bees and other pollinators.
As the moth's name suggests, it is the caterpillar foodplant of the Mallow Moth (Larentia clavaria). This moth has a wingspan of 36-40 mm, and is found throughout England and Wales and southern Scotland, and in a few locations in Ireland, being on the wing during September and October. Like its foodplant, it occupies a wide range of open and partially shaded locations, including gardens where the caterpillar also feeds on cultivated hollyhock..
Growing Musk Mallow
It grows readily from seed and is a perennial so will come up year after year, setting seed to produce new plants if there is a bare patch of soil nearby for the seeds to land on.
Your Purchase
You are buying three plants in three 7 cm square pots available at any time of year. The leaves may die off in winter but it will regrow from the roots in spring.
Ladyburn Plant Nursery has been registered, by the Scottish Government, as a Professional Operator who is authorised to issue plant passports. (These are now required for internet sales of all plants including native plants sold within the UK, not just those for those shipped abroad, as previously). Registration Number GB-S 03473.
Please note that our plants are sold purely for their biodiversity, educational and aesthetic value and should not be consumed unless you are absolutely certain of their safety.
Please note also that our nursery is located at Cupar, our St Andrews address being for correspondence only.