Also known as Common Marsh-Mallow · Common Marshmallow · European Marsh-Mallow
Althaea officinalis, or Marshmallow, is a hardy perennial herb with soft, velvety leaves and pale flowers. It is valued for medicinal properties and edible roots.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
80% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry periods.
70% intensity
Moist, well-drained, rich, sandy loam
50% intensity
Hardy in temperate zones, thrives in 15-25 °C.
60% intensity
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light annual feeding with compost or balanced organic fertilizer.
30% intensity
Spring
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic to humans and pets. All parts are edible.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Marshmallow thrives in consistently moist soil, especially during its active growing season. Water deeply when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch, ensuring the roots receive adequate moisture.
Avoid waterlogging, but do not let the soil dry out completely for extended periods, particularly in hot weather.
Pruning is not strictly necessary but can help maintain plant shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding and prolong the blooming period.
In late autumn or early spring, cut back old stems to the ground to make way for new growth.
Marshmallow can be propagated by seed, division, or stem cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in spring or autumn, or started indoors. Division of established clumps in spring or autumn is a reliable method.
Softwood cuttings can be taken in early summer.
As a perennial grown outdoors, repotting is not typically applicable unless grown in containers.
If container-grown, repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix to refresh nutrients and accommodate root growth. Ensure good drainage.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Althaea |
| Species | Althaea officinalis |
Similar in genus Althaea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
