The musk mallow (Malva moschata) originally comes from the Mediterranean region, but is now a popular ornamental plant in many countries around the world. The perennial summer flower shows its beautiful, white, delicate pink to delicate purple flowers between June and August. The upright and rather bushy growing perennial can reach a height of up to one meter. Like all mallows, the musk mallow is very easy to care for.
How do I care for the musk mallow?
The musk mallow needs a full sun location, well-drained soil and regular watering without causing waterlogging. Fertilize the plant at the beginning of the growing season, watch out for mallow rust and remove spent shoots for a longer flowering period.
Which location does the musk mallow prefer?
Musk mallows prefer locations that are as sunny and warm as possible with well-drained, sandy soils.
Do you have to water the musk mallow regularly?
The plant should not dry out if possible and should therefore be watered regularly, especially during longer dry periods in summer. However, excessive moisture and waterlogging must be avoided at all costs.
How and with what should you fertilize the musk mallow?
Regular fertilization is not necessary; instead, you can provide the summer flower with compost or a liquid complete fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.
Can you also cultivate the musk mallow in a pot?
Cultivation in pots is easy as long as the location is right and the plant is not watered too much or too little. In addition, specimens kept in planters must be regularly supplied with a suitable fertilizer (e.g. a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants).
What is the best way to propagate musk mallow?
Musk mallows reproduce very reliably from seeds, but can also be multiplied from cuttings in summer. Sowing is best done under glass in spring. Direct sowing can be carried out from April.
What diseases and pests should you watch out for with musk mallow?
Like all mallows, the musk mallow is also quite susceptible to mallow rust, which is noticeable through brown spots on the leaves and is highly contagious. Affected plant parts or plants must be removed immediately so as not to endanger the entire crop. A homemade broth made from field horsetail often helps.
How should you cut the musk mallow?
Pruning is not necessary, but dead shoots should be removed immediately. This measure stimulates the plant to form new flowers and thus extends the flowering period. However, for self-sowing you should leave a few shoots standing.
Is the musk mallow hardy?
The musk mallow is considered to be very hardy.
Tip
Malva moschata is an old medicinal plant that was previously used primarily for coughs and sore throats, but also for throat and mouth infections. To do this, the flowering herb collected in summer is poured with boiling water and left to steep overnight. The broth is then poured off and used for gargling.
