Mediterranean Mallow Care

Erect annual up to 40 cm, more or less hispid with long, patent hairs. Lower leaves sub-orbicular, crenate or slightly lobed; upper leaves usually deeply divided into 3(-5) oblong, dentate lobes. Flowers axillary, on long pedicels. Epicalyx-segments 3, linear to narrowly triangular; sepals 7-10 mm, similar in shape; staminal tube glabrous. Mericarps glabrous; dorsal face flat, with numerous small, transverse ridges; angles slightly winged.

Plants form a bushy mound of deeply-cut leaves with a pleasant fragrance. Satiny single hibiscus-type flowers appear during the summer, in a range of pink shades. Although not long-lived, this will often self sow and come back for years. Cutting plants back hard in August will encourage the plants to winter and survive for longer. Seedlings that appear may be easily moved while still small. Attractive to butterflies.