Malva moschata

Musk Mallow is a relatively small, herbaceous perennial, flowering bush native to Europe and Turkey in the Mallow family. It is often found along roadsides and open fields in North America. The plant will reach a mature height of about 3 feet, with a 2 foot spread. It has showy, fragrant, large pink flowers from early summer into fall.  As with the flowers, the foliage is musk-scented when crushed. The genus name is an ancient Latin name. The species name means musky.

Musk Mallow prefers full or partial sun, moist to dry conditions, and loam or sandy loam soil. The leaves can turn yellowish in hot dry weather and are occasionally damaged by foliar disease. The plant is not frost tender. This plant reproduces by reseeding itself.

Must Mallow tolerates strong winds, but will not do well with exposure to salt. These plants are generally short-lived, but self seed freely when in a suitable position and more than maintain themselves. If pruned back to the main branches as it comes into flower, it will produce a fresh flush of leaves in late summer.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Japanese beetles can be a problem.