Althaea officinalis - common marshmallow, hollyhock (35-100-1000 seeds)

Large perennial herbaceous plant with generally simple or little branched stem. At the time of flowering it produces a showy floral scape, approximately 150-250 cm high. It has rounded basal leaves with 3/5 lobes. The plant has tomentos on the stems and leaves which give it a velvety appearance. The 6-8 cm large flowers appear numerous on the flower stem and have a variable colour, from white to purple to light pink. Flowering begins from late spring to early summer. The herbaceous part dries out in the summer season, but the roots and base of the plant remain vital, from which new leaves and shoots form at the first autumn rains to give life to a new vegetative cycle.

Pedoclimatic needs

It adapts to any type of soil, as long as it is fresh and well-drained. Although it seeks humid places, it is very resistant to drought and is ideal for gardens without water. This beautiful plant with spectacular flowering is suitable for creating hedges at the edges of fields and embankments. It likes exposure in full sun. Moderately rustic plant, it resists minimum temperatures reaching -6°/-8°C. In case of intense cold, mulch the base of the plant with bark, straw or dry leaves.

Sowing

From summer to early autumn

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Althaea officinalis

Family: Malvaceae