Species Hairy Marsh Mallow
a light-purple flower with a white center, white-purple stamens, green buds, leaves and stems

Hairy Marsh Mallow

Althaea hirsuta

The Hairy Marsh Mallow is an herbaceous perennial found in damp ecosystems. Its short flower stalks are crowned by a single, striking white flower head. Its leaves are thick and covered with downy hairs which turn reddish in colour in autumn. Its stem is wooly and full of branches. Its roots are fleshy and produce mucilage (a sticky substance). Its flowers have five petals and can be pink or white in colour. It blooms in the middle of summer and is attractive to bees and other pollinators. The hairy marsh mallow is an excellent ornamental for wild flower meadows or gardens.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Hairy Marsh Mallow (Althaea hirsuta) should be watered whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Water deeply and thoroughly, taking care to moisten the entire root zone, until excess water begins to drain from the pot. Allow the pot to drain completely before returning it to its location. During the hot and dry growing season, this may mean watering once a week or more, while during cooler, wetter weather, it may only be necessary once every 2 weeks.

sunlight

Hairy Marsh Mallow needs full sun to part shade in order to grow and thrive. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sun per day during the growing season. During the summer months, it can tolerate some light shade during the hottest hours of the day. In more northern climates, it is best to provide 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day. During the winter months, the plant is dormant and will need less sunlight. When the plant is dormant, between 4 and 6 hours of sun is enough.

pruning

Hairy Marsh Mallow (Althaea hirsuta) should be pruned in early spring, or late winter. Pruning should be done to remove any dead or diseased foliage, and to shape the plant. Pruning should be done lightly, taking off no more than 1 third of the plant's overall height. This will encourage new growth and flowering. Deadheading - removing spent flowers - should be done throughout the growing season, as they appear. Hairy Marsh Mallow is generally a low-maintenance plant and does not require a great deal of pruning to thrive.