Malva multiflora (syn. Lavatera cretica) is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family known by the common names Cornish mallow and Cretan hollyhock. It is native to western Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean Basin, and it is naturalized in areas with a Mediterranean climate, such as parts of Australia, South Africa, and California. This is an annual or biennial herb growing a tough, somewhat hairy stem to a maximum height between 1 and 3 meters. The leaves are multilobed with flat or wavy edges, slightly hairy, and up to 10 centimeters long. The plant bears small pink or light purple flowers with petals just over a centimeter long. The fruit is disc-shaped with 7 to 10 segments. Leaf laminas of Malva multiflora can track solar position throughout the day and turn to face the sunrise, behavior that anticipates the future, despite lacking a central nervous system.
Cornish mallow has moderate resistance to disease and can be prone to problems like leaf spot. Its vulnerability to insect pests varies by variety, but most types are relatively less resistant to pests. For care, Cornish mallow needs regular watering and fertilizing, along with frequent pruning of yellow leaves. Pests and diseases should be treated when they occur, and the plant should be harvested promptly. Cornish mallow is appropriate for people who can spend some time and energy on regular upkeep.
How to keep Lavatera Cretica.
Light
Cornish mallow shows a strong preference for areas that receive plentiful light all day, doing best where sunlight is constant. It can, however, tolerate spots with moderate sun. Too much exposure may cause wilting, while too little light can limit growth and flowering. It comes from habitats that are frequently sunny.
Temperature
The Cornish mallow thrives in climates that are warmer, favoring temperatures between 68 and 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). For optimal growth, one should keep track of and amend its habitat in line with alterations in seasonal temperatures.
Fertilizer
To maximize Cornish mallow's yield and flavor, provide sufficient nitrogen throughout the entire growth cycle, including before planting and at harvest. Plants that are well watered and properly fertilized develop abundant, healthy leaves and are less bitter. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or manure, ideally 2 to 8 weeks beforehand.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual, Biennial
- Genus
- Lavatera
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-9
- Mature Height
- 0.3 m to 1.52 m
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 46 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink, Lavender
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, Montenegro, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Morocco, Lebanon, Syria, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Albania, United Kingdom, Algeria, France
Other names.
