perennial

Hollyhock Mallow

The Story

Plant Bio

Malva alcea, commonly known as hollyhock mallow, is an upright, branching herbaceous perennial native to Europe and southwestern Asia. The plant features deeply lobed, palmately divided foliage covered in fine, star-shaped hairs and produces bright pink, cup-shaped flowers from summer through early fall.

This species is distinguished by its deeply cut, finger-like upper leaves and large, five-petaled flowers that measure up to two and a half inches across. Unlike some mallows, it maintains a sturdy, erect habit reaching up to four feet tall without requiring staking in full sun.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a continuous display of bright pink, cup-shaped flowers on tall, upright stems throughout the summer.

Features edible leaves and flowers, and is non-toxic to pets and humans.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

49"

Width

31"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial

Native To

Europe, southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with sharply drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Backfill with native soil, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly.
Apply a thin layer of organic compost around the base to provide light nutrients.

Pro Tip

Plant in sharply drained soil to prevent winter crown rot, and allow the plant to self-seed lightly to replace older, short-lived specimens.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut back dead stems to the ground in late winter or early spring.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly, especially during the winter months.
Allow some spent flowers to set seed to maintain the plant's presence in the garden.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soils where water pools.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood during the active growing season.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nutrients lead to floppy, weak stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage gardensPerennial bordersWildflower meadowsCutting gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia nemorosa Echinacea purpurea Nepeta x faassenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hollyhock Mallow questions

What zones can Hollyhock Mallow grow in?

Hollyhock Mallow is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Hollyhock Mallow deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Hollyhock Mallow, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Hollyhock Mallow bloom?

Hollyhock Mallow typically blooms in summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hollyhock Mallow need full sun?

Hollyhock Mallow does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Hollyhock Mallow drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hollyhock Mallow handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.