musk mallow

Musk mallow (Malva moschata) needs to be watered regularly but not too heavily. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Water right after planting, and then water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Be sure to avoid letting the soil become too wet or dry, as this can cause damage to the plant. During the summer you may need to water more frequently, particularly during periods of heat and drought. In the winter months, water less frequently and only when the soil feels slightly dry.

Musk mallow plants grow best in full sun or partly shaded locations. They prefer 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. During the hottest months of summer, plants will benefit from some afternoon shade. In the winter, however, they do not need any additional shade. If your plant is located in an area receiving less sunlight than what it requires, it may not bloom as profusely as it should.

Musk Mallow should be pruned in late winter or early spring, prior to the new growth and budding of flowers. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches with a pair of sharp, sterilized pruners. Cut all shoots back by 1/3 or more if needed. These shallow cuts will help keep the shape of the shrub more uniform. If large old sections need to be removed, make several small cuts rather than 1 long cut. Remove any overlapping or crowded stems to promote air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. After the mallow has flowered, you can remove any flower heads that have died back to promote new growth.