Information on Malva Zebrina Flowers

Malva Zebrina has pale pink or purple blooms with darker purple stripes from late spring to frost. The old-fashioned flowers suit a cottage, heirloom or Victorian garden. The flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, but are resistant to rabbits. The scientific name may be listed as Malva sylvestris ‘Zebrina’ or ‘Zebrinus’. Its common names include Zebra Mallow, Tall Mallow, High Mallow, Striped Mallow and French Hollyhock.

Flower Attributes

Malva Zebrina is closely related to the Mallow family. The flowers resemble small mallow or hollyhock blooms. The long-lasting flowers are only 1 inch across, but each plant produces dozens of blooms.

Plant Attributes

Malva Zebrina plants form upright bushy mounds of dark foliage. They grow 20 to 40 inches tall and may need staking when grown in rich soil.

Growing Conditions

Malva Zebrinas grow in average soil in sun to partial shade. They are grown as annuals in Zones 5 to 9. Malva Zebrinas reseed and may grow as biennials in warmer zones – reseeding in the fall and blooming the following spring.

Growing Tips

Seeds of Malva Zebrina can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last predicted date of frost or started outdoors after the last frost. Barely cover the seeds, which will germinate in 15 to 21 days. Flowers will appear by early summer. Cut back Malva Zebrina after flowering stops to encourage a second bloom and to reduce reseeding.

Fun Facts

The flowers of Malva plants were used on May Day for garlands and other decorations. According to Botanical.com, the leaves and flowers can be used as a poultice for skin problems, and the leaves are edible.

Warnings

Do not use Malva Zebrina or any other plant material as a medical treatment, or eat them, without the advice of a licensed medical practitioner.

Grow Malva Zebrina

Looking for a unique flower that blooms all season? It’s easy to learn how to grow malva zebrina, as this hardy plant is fairly low maintenance and tolerant of most soils. The main thing malva zebrina requires is full sun. Start planning to grow malva zebrina in the early spring after the last frost, when the soil has warmed to 65 degrees Fahrenheit or in early fall with enough time for seeds to germinate before the first frost. Seeds need up to 21 days to germinate completely. Soggy soil can lead to rot or fungal disease. Always water at the soil level and not on the foliage because too much moisture could lead to fungal diseases. The flower is resistant to deer and rabbits, but Japanese beetles or other insects may snack on its leaves. Give your malva zebrina a treat of general-purpose fertilizer once per season but do not go overboard. This hardy plant has been known to grow too much in fertile soil and may need to be trimmed or staked to keep from toppling over.