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Malope trifida

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
mal-OH-pay TREE-fee-duh
Description

This annual flower is in the large Malvaceae family which includes hundreds of plants more commonly known as mallows. It is often used as a border plant or grown for cut flowers.  

The Malope trifida tolerates average soil although compost and occasional fertilizer adds to its health and bloom potential. It tolerates some dryness but needs regular watering if rain is absent. Removing or deadheading spent flowers encourages new flower growth. Blooms can occur from mid-summer through early fall with maintenance and regular watering as needed. Although an annual in the mid-Atlantic areas, it arose in warmer Mediterranean regions and can be a perennial in tropical climates.

It is readily available as seeds for sowing after the last frost in the Spring.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Malope
    Species:
    trifida
    Family:
    Malvaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    S. Central Portugal to SW. Spain, Malta, NW. Africa
    Wildlife Value:
    pollinator
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Flowers are cup shaped, about 2.5 inches long with 5 petals. with solid colors of near white, rose/mauve/purple, or red.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenate
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies