Common mallow (French hollyhock) Malva sylvestris
Common mallow (French hollyhock) (Malva sylvestris) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Malvaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa and south-western Asia. It grows 50 cm–1.2 m (20 in–3.9 ft) tall and 40–70 cm (16–28 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Common mallow (French hollyhock) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1.2 m (20 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–70 cm (16–28 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 13–19 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowers, young seed pods |
| Native to | Europe, North Africa and south-western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Common mallow (French hollyhock) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; eaten as a leaf vegetable around the Mediterranean.
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 Common mallow (French hollyhock)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Common mallow (French hollyhock)
- How far apart should I plant Common mallow (French hollyhock)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–70 cm (16–28 in).
- Does Common mallow (French hollyhock) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Common mallow (French hollyhock) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Common mallow (French hollyhock)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Common mallow (French hollyhock) flower?
- From about June for 13–19 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Common mallow (French hollyhock) 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 poisonous; eaten as a leaf vegetable around the Mediterranean.
- What grows well with Common mallow (French hollyhock)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Common mallow (French hollyhock). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Purple-veined mauve flowers from early summer to autumn on roadsides and in old gardens; its flat, round seed heads gave it the children’s name “cheeses”. The form ‘Zebrina’ is striped.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus
- Small-leaved lime (linden) Tilia cordata
- Cacao Theobroma cacao
- Durian Durio zibethinus
- Red silk-cotton tree (kapok) Bombax ceiba