Musk mallow (Malva moschata)
Also known as: Hollyhock
Musk mallow (Malva moschata) is a European native known for its diverse color varieties, including blue, purple, pink, red, and white. Introduced to the New World during the colonial era, it has now spread globally. The plant is particularly noted for its characteristic musky fragrance, which is reflected in both its common name and its scientific designation.
In This Article
Attributes of Musk mallow
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 1.3 m
Spread
30 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
3 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Pink White
Images of Musk mallow
Quickly Identify Musk mallow
1
Lush herbaceous growth reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) distinguishes musk mallow.
2
Large pink flowers, 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) with five petals, bloom abundantly from early summer.
3
Deeply lobed leaves, 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) wide, have palmate veins and toothed lobes.
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Flowers emit a mild musky fragrance, adding to their distinct appearance.
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Stamens fused into a column enhance flower identification in musk mallow.
Scientific Classification of Musk mallow
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Malvales
Family
Mallow
Genus
Mallow
Species
Musk mallow
Planting and Growing of Musk mallow
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 4 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
6-10 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic
How to Water Musk mallow?
For Malva moschata, watering should adhere to the principle of thorough saturation, ensuring that water reaches the root zone but not beyond. This plant prefers soil that remains consistently moist but never waterlogged. A good measure is to aim for about 200 milliliters per session, allowing the water to soak into the soil fully without leaving excess standing water.
More About Watering Techniques→
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Musk mallow?
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What should I do if my Musk mallow is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Musk mallow?
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How to save an overwatered Musk mallow?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Musk mallow?
Malva moschata ideally needs full sun to partial sun conditions. Ample light optimizes flower production, enhances vibrancy, and supports healthy growth patterns.
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→
Optimal Exposure
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Balancing Shade
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Achieving Ideal Conditions
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Musk mallow?
Malva moschata thrives best within an ideal temperature range of 60°F to 75°F. Within this range, the plant can efficiently complete its photosynthetic processes and maintain optimal metabolic activities. Temperatures within this range mimic the plant's natural environment, allowing it to produce vivid flowers and lush foliage.
What Soil is Best for Musk mallow?
Malva moschata thrives in soil that allows for good drainage. This prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Well-drained soil ensures healthy root development and robust plant growth. This plant prefers nutrient-rich soils that provide essential minerals and nutrients. Rich soil promotes healthy foliage and vibrant blooms, enhancing the overall appearance of the plant. While the plant requires good drainage, it also favors soil that can retain some moisture. This balance ensures the plant remains hydrated without becoming waterlogged, leading to healthy and vigorous growth.
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How to Fertilize Musk mallow?
For Malva moschata, it is important to use a balanced fertilizer. Use about 1 tablespoon of a 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer diluted in 1 gallon of water for application. For solid slow-release fertilizers, a few granules spread evenly over the root area should suffice. The key is moderation—over-fertilizing can be detrimental.
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How to Prune Musk mallow?
Begin pruning Malva moschata as soon as new growth appears in spring. Start by cutting back any dead or damaged stems at the base to clear the way for healthy growth. Throughout summer, regularly pinch off faded flowers to promote continuous bloom and clip back any overgrown branches to maintain a tidy shape. Come autumn, perform a more substantial trim to prepare the plant for winter dormancy. In late autumn, after the flowering season has ended, you can opt for more aggressive pruning if desired. Cut back the entire plant to about one-third of its height to help it conserve energy during cold months. This aggressive pruning will stimulate vigorous growth come spring, ensuring that your plant remains vibrant and full.
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How to Propagate Musk mallow plant?
1
Collect seeds from mature Malva moschata plants in early autumn when seeds are brown and dry. Ensure seeds are fully ripened for better germination rates.
2
Choose healthy stems for cuttings in early spring. Cut 4-6 inch sections just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and optionally, dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
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In late spring, carefully dig up mature plants and divide their root clumps. Ensure each division has a good amount of roots and foliage for successful re-establishment.
How to Repot Musk mallow plant?
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The ideal time to repot Malva moschata is when you notice that roots are growing out of the drainage holes or circling at the top of the soil, indicating a need for more space. Another signal is when the plant starts wilting frequently despite regular watering, an indicator that the current pot is too small to hold sufficient moisture for the plant’s needs.
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Opt for a pot that is one size larger than the current one to give the roots room to grow without overwhelming them with too much space. A pot with good drainage holes is crucial to prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. The material can be clay or ceramic as they help in absorbing excess moisture, thus protecting the plant from overwatering.
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Choose a well-draining loamy soil, which is ideal for Malva moschata. This soil type holds moisture sufficiently while allowing excess water to drain away, reducing the risk of root rot. Adding organic matter like compost can improve soil fertility and structure, providing a robust environment for root growth.
