Annual mallow (rose mallow) Malva trimestris
Annual mallow (rose mallow) (Malva trimestris) is an annual flowering plant in the Malvaceae family, native to Mediterranean region. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
Plan Annual mallow (rose mallow) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Annual mallow (rose mallow) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–14 weeks after planting, for 10–14 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean region |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Annual mallow (rose mallow) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Annual mallow (rose mallow)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Annual mallow (rose mallow)
- How far apart should I plant Annual mallow (rose mallow)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Annual mallow (rose mallow) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Annual mallow (rose mallow) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Annual mallow (rose mallow)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Annual mallow (rose mallow) flower?
- About 10–14 weeks after planting, for 10–14 weeks.
- Is Annual mallow (rose mallow) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Annual mallow (rose mallow)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Annual mallow (rose mallow). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- A hardy annual: sow where it is to flower in autumn or early spring, thin the seedlings, and let some plants set seed.
- Long sold as Lavatera trimestris, with satin pink or white funnels on a bushy plant. Tolerates poor soil and sea winds; rich soil gives leaf instead of flowers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
- Hollyhock Alcea rosea
- Tropical hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus
- Small-leaved lime (linden) Tilia cordata
- Cacao Theobroma cacao
- Durian Durio zibethinus
- Red silk-cotton tree (kapok) Bombax ceiba