Vervain Mallow
Malva alcea
- Native to:
- Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine
Carl Axel Magnus Lindman (en.wikipedia.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Genus:
- Malva
- Species:
- Malva alcea
- USDA Symbol:
- MAAL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, white
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to meadows and forest edges
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily at 65-75°F without pretreatment. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.