The musk mallow is a perennial type of mallow that you should cut back occasionally. The perennials can become stronger and a second flowering is also possible. What you should consider when cutting musk mallows.
When and how should you cut musk mallows?
Musk mallows should ideally be cut back by a third in autumn. Severe pruning is advisable for woody plants. In spring you can remove spent inflorescences to encourage a second period of flowering. For young plants you should only shorten the shoot tips.
The right time to cut musk mallows
- Topiary in autumn
- cut back woody plants completely
- cut in spring before harsh winters
- Constantly cut off spent flowers
To shape musk mallows, it is best to cut them back by a third in autumn.
However, if there is a very cold and harsh winter ahead, it is better to postpone pruning until spring. The leaves hanging on the bush provide good protection against frost.
Only cut back woody plants heavily
Older musk mallows become woody on the stems. You should shorten these specimens significantly in the fall. This stimulates the growth of new shoots and strengthens the plant overall. In this way you can significantly extend the lifespan of this mallow species.
By strengthening the new shoots, the musk mallow becomes more robust overall. She then hardly needs any winter protection in the winter.
You have to be more careful with young plants whose shoots are not yet woody. Only cut the upper shoot tips here.
Stimulate the second flowering period with pruning
A second flowering of the musk mallow can be achieved by cutting the inflorescences immediately after flowering. The flower and the stem growing underneath are cut so that the plant is shaped at the same time.
If temperatures are favorable and the first flowering occurs early, the plant sprouts again in autumn and produces new flowers.
Removing the flowers prevents the musk mallow from producing seeds from which you can grow new plants. If sowing is planned, you must leave some flowers.
Mallow flowers are edible
You can not only eat mallow flowers, but you can also use them to make a delicious mallow tea. To do this, cut the flowers while they are fully bloomed. The flowers can also be used to decorate salads and cold plates.
Tip
Annual mallows sow themselves every year. They don't need any care. However, cutting back the wild form can also be worthwhile if you want to encourage the flower to bloom a second time.
