Malva alcea var. fastigiata

Big, bushy Malva alcea var. fastigiata is a treasure for the midsummer garden, where its soft pink blooms on 3–4′ stems make a handsome display from July–October. The plants form thick crowns from which grow as many as 50 stems, each covered with dozens of small blooms above intricately lobed foliage. This is a plant that can carry a summer border all by itself.

The genus Malva includes 25-80 species (depending on how they’re classified) in the large Malvaceae family. Malvas are related to Cacao, Cotton, Hibiscus, Hollyhocks, and the Linden tree. These somewhat shrubby, herbaceous annual, biennial, or perennial plants are widespread throughout temperate Europe, Africa, and Asia, especially in the Mediterranean region and parts of China and India. They are valued for their medicinal, culinary, and ornamental properties. Most species have alternate, kidney-shaped leaves, sometimes deeply lobed, and showy, 5-petaled flowers that bloom over a long season. They’re easy to grow in average soil where they thrive in heat and humidity. Although short-lived, Malvas replace themselves by freely self-sowing; some species have become naturalized in parts of North America.

For more information on growing Malva, click Growing Guide.

HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED

The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.

WHEN WE SHIP

We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.