Header image: Rimma Bondarenko/Shutterstock
01.08.2023 - 12:11 / gardenersworld.com
Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) is a hardy herbaceous perennial, the root of which was once used to flavour the sweets of the same name. Grown and used for thousands of years for a wide variety of medicinal and practical uses, marsh mallow is found from western Europe to central Asia in damp habitats such as marshes and riverbanks, coastal regions and salt marshes – hence its name. A substantial plant, marsh mallow can grow up to 1.8 m in height and spread, forming a clump of mid-green leaves, shallowly lobed at the edges, which are softly hairy on both sides. Stems clothed with pale pink or white flowers are borne from midsummer to autumn and are very attractive to butterflies.
Marsh mallow plant is not related to two other plant genera that are also known as mallow. These are Lavatera (annual and perennial types) and Malva, including both musk mallow (Malva moschata) and field mallow (Malva sylvestris).
How to grow marsh mallow plantGrow marsh mallow in fertile, moist soil in full sun, and give it plenty of room to grow. Remove faded flower stems and tatty growth after flowering, and cut back the whole plant while dormant.
What is marsh mallow root used for?The botanical name of marsh mallow, Althaea, comes from the Latin ‘altheo’ meaning ‘I cure’ and records of its use exist from the times of the Greek and Roman civilisations. The roots, leaves and flowers have all been used to soothe inflammation and irritation in the digestive system, respiratory system, urinary tract and skin. Herbalists supply marsh mallow in a variety of forms including a tincture, syrup, and powder. As with all herbal medicines, use only as instructed by a qualified herbalist or medical practitioner.
Marsh mallow plant forms deep tap roots
Header image: Rimma Bondarenko/Shutterstock
Cacti are gaining a strong following from houseplant admirers, thanks to their unique spiny skin and attractive twisty shapes, which make them look like they were sculpted by mother nature personally to show how creative she could be! And, if you too want to grow them in your home, start with these 25 low-care and most popularindoor cactus plants.
How to Grow and Care for Nemesia Flowers Nemesia spp.
How to Grow and Care for Rex Begonias Indoors Begonia x rex-cultorum
Bermuda Grass is a popular warm-season garden specimen known for its durability and resilience. In this guide, we will provide you with essential tips and tricks on how to grow and maintain a lush Bermuda Grass Lawn.
How to Grow and Care for Tiger Flowers Tigridia pavonia
How to Grow and Care for Euphorbia Euphorbia spp.
The staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) is an exotic plant in the Polypodiaceae family. Native to the rainforests of Australia and Southeast Asia, it’s an epiphyte plant, so grows directly on other plants (typically the forks of trees) and has no need for soil. Its roots absorb water directly from the tree it’s growing on.
Most columbine plants are cool season, spring blooming plants with unique flowers. Rising high above the lobed green to gray green foliage are spikes of flowers, usually facing down with elongated narrow spurs reaching behind. However, there are some varieties that face outward or upwards, do not have spurs, or have double flowers. Available in many colors, columbine plants are ideal for shady wooded areas, but some do well as rock garden plants. The erect, dried brown seed heads are comprised of five capsules that burst open to reveal many dark black small seeds. This plant self-seeds and crosses with other columbine plants. Although a short-lived perennial, the self-sowing make it appear that the plants last for years in the garden. Columbine flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and hawk moths. The plant is deer resistant and toxic for humans, dogs, and cats if ingested.
Native to the Mediterranean and Asia, dill has delicate, feathery foliage and lovely golden-yellow flowers in mid-summer. It’s one of the easiest herbs to grow and readily self-sows by dropping seeds in the garden which will pop up again next year. It’s pretty enough to plant among your flowers, and pollinators love it.
Native to South Africa, Streptocarpus – or Cape primrose – are lovely house plants that are grown for their fresh green leaves and pretty, primrose-like flowers in the UK. The flowers come in a wide range of colours, from white to pink, blues and purples, lemon yellow and red, and they are often bi-coloured. They bloom from spring though to autumn, offering a long-lasting display. Plants in the ‘Crystal’ series flower for even longer, and may even flower all year.
Plants have unique natural abilities to emit different chemical substances. With them they repel or attract specific insects. Flowers bring a pretty sight and a pleasant fragrance for us. However, for pests they often pose a life threat. That’s why such plants can perfectly serve as a replacement for the synthetic insecticides, as long as you know how to use this to your advantage.