Malva moschata aka Musk Mallow

Taxonomy

Musk mallow (Malva moschata), also known as musk-mallow, is a flowering plant native to Europe and southwestern Asia. It belongs to the family Malvaceae and can be found from Spain to the British Isles, Poland, southern Russia, and Turkey. This herbaceous perennial grows up to 60 cm (24 in) tall with hairy stems and foliage. During the summer, it produces beautiful pink saucer-shaped flowers. In addition to its native range, musk mallow has been introduced to North America by European settlers. Unfortunately, it has become invasive in the northwestern and northeastern parts of the United States, often appearing in roadsides, along railroads, and dry grassy fields. Interestingly, musk mallow is often found near old homesteads, serving as a marker for their location. While it is a hardy plant suitable for USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 8, it is important to consider its invasive potential before growing it. Local cooperative extension offices and fish and wildlife services can provide valuable information on this matter.

Common names

Musk Mallow, Mauve Musque, Musk Cheeseweed

How to care for Musk Mallow

Difficulty

Caring for Musk Mallow is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Musk Mallow should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Musk Mallow loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Musk Mallow requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Mauve Musque is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Region of origin

Musk Mallow’s native range is Most of Europe, including Britain, south to N. Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia