Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana Mystic Merlin (French Mallow)
Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana ‘Mystic Merlin’ (French Mallow) is an erect, bushy, biennial or perennial boasting attractive flower spikes adorned with 5-petaled, purple to deep violet flowers with striking darker veins.
Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana 'Mystic Merlin' (French Mallow) is an erect, bushy, biennial or perennial boasting attractive flower spikes adorned with 5-petaled, purple to deep violet flowers with striking darker veins. Blooming from summer to fall, the showy flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), are produced in abundance in the leaf axils. They are visited by many insects, especially bees for pollen. The leaves stand on long hairy footstalks, and are divided into 5-9 shallow lobes. This French Mallow is perfect for cottage or wildflower gardens. Excellent in containers too.
- Grows up to 4-5 ft. high (120-150 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Will self-seed in the garden if happy, providing years of blooms.
- Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Best flower color is obtained in full sun.
- Easy to grow, Common Mallow is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens and wildflower meadows.
- Virtually pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for hollyhock rust.
- Propagate by seed
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Malva – Mallows |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18″ – 24″ (45cm – 60cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |