Malva

The genus Malva includes about 40 species of one -, two-and perennial herbaceous plants. The flowers are large, funnel-shaped in the axils of the leaves, sometimes collected in several pieces, purple, purple, pink or white. Leaves are long-stemmed, lobed or palmate. Stock-pink mallow (Malva alcea) is a perennial species with a height of 1 m, with light, deep-fingered and serrated leaves along the edge. The flowers are solitary, up to 3 cm long, pink in color, and bloom in summer and autumn. The variety 'Pointed' has red flowers, it is more compact and blooms longer. Musk mallow (M. moschata) is another perennial species with a height of 30-60 cm, with rounded leaves that, if rubbed, emit a musky smell (hence the name of the species). Pink single flowers with a diameter of 5 cm begin to bloom in spring and bloom all summer. The variety 'Belaya' has white flowers. Forest mallow (M. sylvestris) is the most common wild-growing annual or biennial species. It has pink flowers and rounded deep-fingered leaves that have medicinal properties (antipyretic and diaphoretic).

The genus Malva includes about 40 species of one -, two-and perennial herbaceous plants. The flowers are large, funnel-shaped in the axils of the leaves, sometimes collected in several pieces, purple, purple, pink or white. Leaves are long-stemmed, lobed or palmate.

Stock-pink mallow (Malva alcea) is a perennial species with a height of 1 m, with light, deep-fingered and serrated leaves along the edge. The flowers are solitary, up to 3 cm long, pink in color, and bloom in summer and autumn. The variety 'Pointed' has red flowers, it is more compact and blooms longer.

Musk mallow (M. moschata) is another perennial species with a height of 30-60 cm, with rounded leaves that, if rubbed, emit a musky smell (hence the name of the species). Pink single flowers with a diameter of 5 cm begin to bloom in spring and bloom all summer. The variety 'Belaya' has white flowers.

Forest mallow (M. sylvestris) is the most common wild-growing annual or biennial species. It has pink flowers and rounded deep-fingered leaves that have medicinal properties (antipyretic and diaphoretic).

Cultivation

Mallow is grown in the open ground, even on low-fertile and dry sandy soils. Many types of mallow are used as decorative flowering plants. Finally planted in the ground in autumn or spring (only annual species; perennials are recommended to be planted in dense moist soil) at a distance of 40 cm from each other. The crop is used in flower beds, mixborders, and for cutting.

Location

It is best to place plants in the open sun, they are also suitable for a semi-shady place.

Temperature

Perennial species tolerate both high and low air temperatures.

Watering

Hollyhocks are generally drought-tolerant plants, but in case of prolonged drought, they should be watered.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in boxes in the spring. Grown seedlings are transplanted into separate pots, and then in the fall or next spring they are planted in a permanent place assigned to it.

Diseases

The fungus Colletotrichum malvarum can cause spots on the leaves and stems, at first, they are brownish-yellow, later they turn brown. It is possible to treat with benlat, although it is still recommended to remove the affected plants. Less dangerous damage-due to the hot, humid environment-is associated with oidium (powdery mildew of grapes) and rust, which causes plants to wither. Treatment is carried out with sulfur or anti-oidium drugs. Rust appears in the form of pustules and spots on the leaves. Plants should be treated with fungicides.

Acquisition

Seeds are easily found in nurseries and gardening centers. Check the expiration date on the package.