Musk mallow Malva moschata
Musk mallow (Malva moschata) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Malvaceae family, native to Europe and south-western Asia. It grows 40–90 cm (16–35 in) tall and 35–60 cm (14–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Musk mallow at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 40–90 cm (16–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 35–60 cm (14–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 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 -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowers |
| Native to | Europe and south-western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Musk mallow toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not 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 Musk mallow
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Musk mallow
- How far apart should I plant Musk mallow?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 35–60 cm (14–24 in).
- Does Musk mallow need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Musk mallow need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Musk mallow?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Musk mallow flower?
- From about June for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Musk 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 poisonous.
- What grows well with Musk mallow?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Musk mallow. 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
- Finely cut leaves and shell-pink or white flowers on grassy banks and in wild-flower meadows. Crushed leaves smell faintly of musk. Short-lived but self-seeding.
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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