Malva thuringiaca aka Malva Thuringiaca

Malva thuringiaca is a perennial in the mallow family, Malvaceae. Garden tree mallow and tree lavatera are its common names. The older name Lavatera thuringiaca refers to the same species. Its native range spans Europe, central Siberia, and northwestern Iran. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. Wild plants grow on hills, in thickets, and along roadsides. They also grow beside streams.

This upright plant forms a bushy clump with deciduous leaves. In gardens, it reaches 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres] tall. Its spread is about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Plants reach their full size within one or two years. Fine hairs give the grey-green leaves a soft surface. Each leaf has three or five lobes. The leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Individual leaves can reach about 3.5 inches across.

Purple-pink flowers open in summer on long stalks. Their broad, funnel-shaped blooms can reach about three inches across. Flowers grow at the upper leaf joints or in loose clusters near stem tips. The dry fruit divides into about twenty separate sections. The plant suits cottage gardens and other informal beds. Its height makes it useful in borders beside walls. The RHS also lists it for wildlife gardens and flower beds. PFAF suggests a sunny place along a woodland edge.

Give it full sun and shelter from cold winds. It grows best in light soil with moderate fertility. Good drainage matters, and it accepts dry to moist conditions. Suitable soils include chalk, loam, and sand. It tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. The RHS rates its UK hardiness as H5. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10; Oregon State gives zone 8. Plants can be short-lived despite their perennial habit. Cut stems back to ground level in autumn. Take softwood cuttings in spring to raise new plants. Pests seldom cause trouble, but rust and stem rot can occur. Other soil-borne fungal diseases may also affect it.

Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Their taste is mild, though their texture can be tough. Raw flowers have a mild taste and can garnish salads. PFAF reports no known hazards and no known medicinal uses. The stems yield strong fibre for string, bags, and paper.