I grew these from seed last year, only a couple have appeared this year self sown but they are a lovely colour. Called Malva Sylvestris Mauritania (Mystic Merlin) or French mallow, a bit of a mouthful.
Mallow self seeds in the garden, the 'wild' one has produced a beautiful cluster of white and the pink underscore the roses, filling in those spaces that need flowers rather than weeds.
Mallows are pretty, delicate flowers, a bit like Cosmos, most parts can be eaten and was a 'cure-all' in medieval times. And thinking of medieval times, the old striped rose - Rosa Mundi is out. Named after a princess who was killed by Henry 11, though he must have repented for he would cover her grave with the rose each year.
I have never heard of Mallows. I will have to do some investigating to see if they grow here. Perhaps they are under another name. They look marvelous.
ReplyDeleteThe 'Mystic Merlin' one is very pretty and easily grown from seed, the white and pink once established may be difficult to get rid of them. Here is a link.....https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/common-mallow/growing-common-mallow.htm
DeleteThank you, Thelma
DeleteMystic Merlin is an exquisite colour - I love things that decide to visit you from seed and as you say they are better than weeds which are only too keen to fill up spaces.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite striking, must remember to let them go to seed for collection.
DeleteThe Mystic Merlin is gorgeous. Don't remember seeing them around here (mid-Atlantic US), but will have to see about finding seeds for next year.
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough in this country, when the virus struck, a lot of seeds mostly vegetables became scarce, and the seed people shut up shop. I notice their catalogues for Autumn are beginning to appear.
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