MALVA sylvestris Zebrina (mallow)

Malva sylvestris ‘Zebrina’ – Striped Mallow is a classic cottage-garden plant, loved for its soft lavender-purple flowers marked with bold deep maroon stripes. Closely related to the hollyhock, it brings old-fashioned charm and a long flowering season to sunny gardens.

Description:
‘Zebrina’ forms an upright, bushy mound of deep green foliage, topped with satiny, open flowers from mid summer through to autumn. The eye-catching striped blooms are held on tall stems and are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.

This plant is short-lived and may flower heavily in its first year, but it often returns naturally by self-seeding, making it a reliable presence in the garden over time. In rich soil, light staking may be needed to support the stems.

Why Grow It:
• Striking Striped Flowers: Lavender-purple blooms with dark maroon veining
• Long Flowering Season: Blooms from mid summer into autumn
• Cottage Garden Favourite: Perfect for traditional and informal planting
• Great for Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
• Versatile Use: Suitable for borders, containers, and cut flowers

Growing Conditions:
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Normal, sandy, or clay soil
• Soil pH: Acid, neutral, or alkaline
• Moisture: Average to moist soil
• Care Level: Easy

Size:
• Height: 60–120 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Growth Rate: Medium

An excellent choice for sunny borders or large containers, Malva ‘Zebrina’ adds texture, colour, and classic cottage-garden appeal with very little effort.