Althaea spp.

Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 3–9

Overview

Althaea spp. is a genus of about a dozen biennial and perennial herbs in the family Malvaceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia. Erect, branching stems rise 0.6-2 m (2-6.5 ft) from a thick, fleshy rootstock, clothed with soft, velvety, lobed or toothed leaves. From midsummer the upper stems carry five-petalled flowers 2-5 cm (0.8-2 in) wide in pale pink to white, each with a central column of fused stamens typical of the mallows. The flowers give way to flat, disc-shaped fruits that break into many one-seeded segments. Althaea spp. grows in damp meadows, ditches, marsh edges, and coastal grassland, tolerating brackish and seasonally wet ground that many border perennials cannot. The roots and stems are rich in mucilage; those of A. officinalis, the marshmallow, were once boiled to make the original sweet of that name and are still used in herbal remedies. The plants die back to the rootstock in winter and resprout in spring. Growth is upright and somewhat open, and tall stems may need support in exposed sites or rich soil.

Native Range

Native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, growing in damp meadows, marsh edges, ditches, and coastal grassland.

Suggested Uses

Grown in damp borders, rain gardens, pond and stream margins, and wildflower and herb plantings where the soil stays moist. The mucilaginous roots and leaves of A. officinalis are used in herbal teas and remedies.

How to Identify

Recognized by tall, erect stems with soft, velvety, lobed leaves and pale pink to white five-petalled mallow flowers 2-5 cm (0.8-2 in) wide borne in the upper leaf axils. The central stamens are fused into a column. Crushed roots and stems are slimy with mucilage.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 6'7"

Width/Spread1'6" - 3'3"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

Pale pink to white flowers open from midsummer into early autumn, a few opening along each stem at a time. Bees and other insects work the flowers for pollen and nectar. Flat ring-shaped fruits ripen and break into segments through late summer and autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Most species grow in full sun to light shade on moist to wet, fertile soils and tolerate brackish ground and seasonal flooding. They withstand winter cold, dying back to a fleshy rootstock and reshooting in spring. Plants are raised from seed or division and self-sow where soil stays damp. Tall stems can flop in rich soil or wind and may need staking. Rust disease can mark the foliage of plants grown in crowded, humid conditions.

Pruning

Cutting the stems to the ground in late autumn or winter clears the dead growth before spring regrowth. Removing spent flower spikes can limit self-seeding and may bring a lighter second flush. Plants resprout from the rootstock after cutting.