Common Name: Malva Rosa

General Information

Malva assurgentiflora is a deciduous shrub with a grey, twisted trunk and erect to decumbent stems; it can grow 1 - 4 metres tall, occasionally to 6 metres[, ].
The plant has long been cultivated as an ornamental and used as a windbreak in California[].
The plant has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in several countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, New Zealand and Australia[]..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southwestern N. America - California

Habitat

Coastal bluffs, disturbed areas; at elevations up to 400 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Malva assurgentiflora is a plant of the warm temperate to subtropical regions of California. It will only tolerate light frosts.
Requires a sunny position, growing best in a light, well-drained, moderately fertile soil[]. When growing in rich soils, the plant grows freely but flowers poorly[]. Plants are tolerant of maritime exposure.
The plant flowers in spring and early summer, then again in early autumn, and sporadically all year round in its native habitat[].
The plant is grown as an ornamental and windbreak[]. The shrubby habit, large flowers with dark-veined petals, and thick, hemispheric, fruits make it distinctive[].
The corky mericarps float and are tolerant of salt water, allowing the plant to spread to new habitats[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is grown as an ornamental windbreak in California[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse in a moderately sunny position. Prick the seedlings out when large enough to handle and grow them on for their first winter indoors. Plant out in late spring after the last expected frost.