Mallows bloom conspicuously and in a wide variety of colors. But in order to enjoy them for a long time, they should be kept in good condition. Here is an overview of the most common types of mallow and how you should cut them back.
How to cut different types of mallow?
Pruning of mallows differs depending on the species: hollyhocks require several cuts, bush mallows should be shortened by 2/3 annually, musk mallows by a third in spring, tree mallows should not be cut and prairie mallows should be cut twice, in summer and autumn /Spring.
Is cutting necessarily necessary?
Annual mallows that are not frost hardy, such as cup mallows, do not need to be cut back. On the other hand, pruning perennial species is an important part of care. Cutting promotes their growth and makes it bushier and denser.
How are hollyhocks cut?
Hollyhocks are biennial to perennial. You need multiple cuts:
- Cut off the flowers immediately after they have faded (seed production takes away energy)
- remove diseased and wilted leaves
- In autumn or at the latest in spring, the long stem is cut off just above the ground
How are bush mallows cut?
To prevent bush mallows from becoming bald and looking unsightly, they should be pruned once a year - ideally in spring. Shorten your bush mallow by at least 2/3.
How to cut musk mallows?
Musk mallows like Mauritanian mallow are hardy and should be pruned in spring. Their leaves protect them over the winter. Due to its moderately strong growth, it is sufficient to shorten it by a third in the spring.
How to cut tree mallows?
Tree mallows are two-year-old companions. They only come into full bloom in the second year of their life. For this reason they should not be cut. A cut would rob them of many flower buds.
How to cut prairie mallows?
Prairie mallows are just as common as cup mallows. They request a cutting procedure twice. The first occurs in summer. In summer, spent inflorescences are regularly removed. This allows new flowers to form and prevents seed formation. If you want to get seeds, leave the last flowers in late summer.
The second cut is done in autumn or spring before budding. The plant is radically shortened to just above the ground. It is best to use pruning shears or rose scissors to cut woody parts (€20.00 on Amazon).
Tips & Tricks
It is also worth cutting off individual mallow flowers before they fade. They are decorative, edible and extremely beneficial for digestion due to the mucilage they contain.