Quick Guide: summer, hardy, sun/semi-shade, height: 1.2m/4ft, width: 45-60cm/18-24in

The mallow, Malva alcea, is a tall, bushy plant particularly useful on poor soils. It bears abundant mauve trumpet-shaped flowers all summer.

GROWING Plant from autumn to spring on light, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Provide twiggy sticks for support. Cut down dead stems in late autumn or winter.

PROPAGATION Take 7.5cm/3in basal cuttings in late spring. Insert in sandy soil in a cold frame and transfer to the flowering site in autumn. Plants may be raised from seed sown under protection with gentle warmth in spring. Prick the seedlings out into a nursery bed when they are large enough to handle and grow on until transferring to the flowering site in the autumn.

VARIETIES M. alcea `Fastigiata' is more upright than the species and reaches only 90cm/3ft.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Rust may affect the leaves and stems.