Malva verticillata aka Whorled Mallow

Malva verticillata has two common names: Chinese mallow and curled mallow. It belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Kew records its native range from northeastern tropical Africa into temperate Asia. The range also takes in northern Myanmar. It grows on plains and in farm fields. Chinese growers have raised it for over 2,500 years. People still grow it for its leaves and its looks.

Gardens tend to grow this short-lived plant as an annual. Some forms live for two years or more. The RHS gives a garden height of 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. Its spread reaches about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Other accounts describe smaller plants. Rare plants reach heights of 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Some grow upright with few branches; others spread into bushes. The green leaves have lobes and toothed edges. Large leaves can exceed 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] across.

Tiny flowers range from pale pink to white. They bloom near the close of the growing season. Insects pollinate the flowers. Plants can also set seed with their own pollen. After the blooms fade, the plants form seed capsules. Plants can shed seed, which may sprout nearby. These new plants may differ from their parents. This can help keep a planting going. It also means the plant may become a weed.

Chinese mallow grows in sun, part shade, or full shade. Sand, loam, clay, and chalk all suit it. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Give it moist soil that drains well and shelter from wind. The RHS rates its hardiness H5; PFAF lists USDA zones 6–12. Sow seeds indoors or straight into the bed. You can also grow plants from softwood cuttings. The RHS advises growing fresh plants each year. The plant needs no pruning. Grow it in mixed borders, cottage gardens, courtyards, or pots.

Eat the leaves raw in salads or cook them like spinach. They taste mild and offer a long harvest. Once plants take hold, they resist slugs better than spinach. They also need less watering than spinach. You can eat young green seeds raw or cooked. Their small size makes picking them slow work. Leaves can build up high nitrate levels in nitrogen-rich soil. Keep this risk in mind when growing them for food. Aphids and hollyhock rust can cause problems. So can fungi that live in soil. Sources record past uses of seeds and roots as medicine. They record such uses for leaves and stems, too. The plant also supplies dyes and parts for skin-care products.