Malva subovata aka Sea Mallow
Taxonomy
Malva subovata, also known as the tree mallow, is a flowering plant in the Malvaceae family. It is native to the shores of the western and central Mediterranean. This medium-sized, semi-evergreen subshrub has downy grey palmate leaves and stems. The flowers, which can reach up to 7cm in width, are pink or lilac with purple veins and an eye. As a synonym, Lavatera maritima, it has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This shrubby, evergreen perennial has felty, grey-green, ivy-like leaves on woody, upright stems. It produces large, hibiscus-like, pale pink flowers with a dark magenta center throughout the warmer months. It is one of the few plants that thrives in heavy soil, including clay, as long as it is well-drained. Pruning may be necessary for maintenance.
Common names
Sea MallowHow to care for Sea Mallow
Difficulty
Caring for Sea Mallow is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.
Water
Sea Mallow should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Sea 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
To ensure optimal growth, the Sea Mallow prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Sea Mallow to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
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.
More info:
Wikipedia
