Althaea officinalis - P13

Description
The Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) is an upright perennial that produces light pink, funnel-shaped flowers with a pleasant fragrance from June to August. Its hairy, lobed leaves are light green. In a sunny to semi-shady location with well-drained, humus-rich, nutrient-rich soil, it usually reaches a height of approx. 1.75 m and is approx. 1 m wide. The Marsh mallow is well tolerant of frost.

Synonym
Synonyms (botanical): Alcea officinalis.

Bulletpoints
* the flowers are highly favoured by bees, bumblebees and hoverflies * fragrant flowers

leaves
Suitable for consumption. The deciduous leaves of the Marsh mallow are light green, hairy and lobed.

Frost hardiness
The Marsh mallow has good frost hardiness.

Growth
Upright.

Water
Water regularly and allow the soil to dry out in the meantime.

Location
Preferred location in a sunny to semi-shady position.

Soil
Normal soil.

Planting time
Planting: Autumn, depending on variety also in spring.

Planting partner
The Marsh mallow sets beautiful accents together with: Daylily, large-leaved phlox, white-flowered Chinese mugwort.

Care
If the plant is divided every 2-3 years and weak roots and shoots are removed, the reward is better growth and flowering vigour!

Flower
Suitable for consumption. Althaea officinalis forms funnel-shaped, light pink-coloured flowers from June. These exude a pleasant fragrance.

Use
Medicinal, bee pasture, edible, natural garden, perennial bed, medicinal plant, scented garden