Tree mallow (Malva arborea)
Care, watering, light and tips for Tree mallow on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Malvaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Tree mallow
Malva arborea, commonly known as Tree-mallow, is a fast-growing perennial shrub native to European and Mediterranean coastlines. It is notable for its large, cup-shaped flowers, ranging from pale pink to deep mauve, blooming profusely from spring to autumn. It is ideal for informal hedges, garden borders, or as a standalone specimen in mild climates, adding a wild and colourful touch.
Native range
Mediterranean region of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
Care tips
It thrives in full sun for optimal flowering, though it tolerates light partial shade. Regular watering is needed in summer, especially in dry climates, but it is quite drought-tolerant once established. It adapts to a wide range of soils, provided they are well-drained; a nutrient-poor substrate is sufficient. A common mistake is over-pruning, which can reduce flowering; it's best to prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
How to save a dying Tree mallow
- Warning signs
- Yellow falling leaves, soft and black stems, no flowering.
- First aid
- Check drainage, prune damaged parts, reduce watering, move to partial shade.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and soggy soil, rotting its roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotted and you act quickly.