Malva 'Zebrina'

Few plants offer the long-lasting rewards of this heirloom Hollyhock Mallow! Not only is it floriferous over a very long season, but it self-sows, replenishing itself year after year in your sunny border. Beautiful pinwheel blooms in two shades of purple are breathtaking, and butterflies visit them regularly. Who could possibly ask for more?

Zebrina has graced cottage gardens for many years, and it's easy to see why. The 2-inch single blooms begin opening in midsummer in most climates, and continue right into fall, often continuing for 4 months or more. A soft shade of lavender, they are heavily veined with maroon-violet, creating a stripey, pinwheeled look that is just a little different on every bloom. Striking!

Butterflies and hummingbirds pay their respects to these blooms on a daily basis, but rabbits tend to leave the plant un-nibbled, which is a surprise and a pleasure. The flowering stalks are about 2½ feet high on compact, mounding plants that can reach 3 to 4 feet tall but just 18 to 24 inches wide. Zebrina is a good choice for the middle or back of the sunny border, where its dark green foliage serves as background for shorter plants, and its absolute MASSES of blooms can stand out brilliantly.

M. sylvestris is a rather short-lived perennial, but Zebrina has solved this problem by coming true from seed. Just let the the last blooms remain on the plant each fall, and in spring you'll see new little sprouts everywhere. Such a marvelous gift from a plant that will become your favorite the very first season you grow it!

Best of all, Zebrina is much more tolerant of hot weather than most Hollyhock Mallows, and demonstrates excellent resistance to disease. It grows readily in full sun and nearly any type of soil. Your sunny garden (not to mention your vases!) deserves this plant! Zones 4-8.