Althaea officinalis
marsh mallow
- 9cm pot
- £9.99
- In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
- 3 × 9cm pots
- £22.99 £7.66 each
- In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately-fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A hardy herbaceous perennial characterised by its softly hairy, grey-green leaves and stems. From mid-summer to early autumn, it produces clusters of delicate lilac-pink, saucer-shaped flowers on tall stems. While Althaea officinalis tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, it thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, preferring a damp position with partial shade though will grow well in full sun. Traditionally found in marshy areas, the marshmallow's thick, long, tapering roots were once used to create the confection we know as marshmallow.
Althaea thrives in moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. It prefers a sunny to partially shaded location and can tolerate a range of soil types, although it does best in rich, loamy soil. When planting, space at 60cm (24in) apart to allow for their spreading habit. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist. In late autumn, cut back the stems to 15cm (6in) to encourage healthy growth the following spring. Applying a layer of mulch can help retain moisture and protect the roots during winter. As the plants are tall, they may require staking if they are grown in more exposed positions.