Water
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Ensure good drainage in pots and garden beds.
Also known as Dwarf Mallow · Malva Rotundifolia · Round-Leaved Mallow
Low Mallow (Malva pusilla) is a small, sprawling annual or biennial herb with pale pink to white flowers. It is a widespread weed but also a traditional medicinal plant.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Consistent moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C, tolerates cooler and warmer conditions.
Low feeding
25% intensity
Fertilize lightly in spring if needed.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Ensure good drainage in pots and garden beds.
Pruning is not strictly necessary for Malva pusilla, but you can trim it back lightly in spring to encourage bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers can promote further blooming and prevent self-seeding if unwanted.
Remove any leggy or damaged stems.
Malva pusilla is easily propagated from seed. Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost or start them indoors a few weeks prior. It can also be propagated by cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
As Malva pusilla is often grown as an annual or short-lived perennial and can self-seed, frequent repotting is usually not required. If grown in a container and it becomes root-bound, repot into a slightly larger pot in spring, using well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Low Mallow (Malva pusilla)
Where Low Mallow (Malva pusilla) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Malva |
| Species | Malva pusilla |
Similar in genus Malva
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data