Mallow-wort (annual malope) Malope trifida
Mallow-wort (annual malope) (Malope trifida) is an annual flowering plant in the Malvaceae family, native to South-western Spain, Portugal and north-western Africa. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 25–40 cm (10–16 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Mallow-wort (annual malope) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 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 11–14 weeks after planting, for 8–12 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-western Spain, Portugal and north-western Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Mallow-wort (annual malope) 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 Mallow-wort (annual malope)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Mallow-wort (annual malope)
- How far apart should I plant Mallow-wort (annual malope)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–40 cm (10–16 in).
- Does Mallow-wort (annual malope) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mallow-wort (annual malope) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mallow-wort (annual malope)?
- 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 Mallow-wort (annual malope) flower?
- About 11–14 weeks after planting, for 8–12 weeks.
- Is Mallow-wort (annual malope) 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 Mallow-wort (annual malope)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mallow-wort (annual malope). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Flora iberica, Real Jardín Botánico, CSIC (Madrid)
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.
- A cutting-patch flower: picking the stems often keeps new ones coming.
- Open trumpets of deep magenta with darker veins, like a small hollyhock, and an easy flower for a child’s first seed row.
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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