Greek Mallow

How to grow Greek Mallow

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant in autumn or spring in an open sunny border in soil that holds some moisture through summer. It is upright and narrow rather than bushy, so plant in threes or fives for any real effect.

Pruning

Cut the flowered stems back to the basal foliage as soon as the spikes fade; this frequently produces a second flush in early autumn. Cut down to the ground in late autumn.

Propagation

Divide in spring every few years, which also keeps the plant vigorous. Seed is available and germinates reasonably, though seedlings vary in colour.

Pests and diseases

Hollyhock rust affects it, showing as orange pustules on the undersides of the leaves; remove and dispose of affected foliage rather than composting it. Slugs take spring growth.

Value to wildlife

The small mallow-like flowers up the spike are worked by bees over a long midsummer period.

Notes

The slim spikes flop in exposed positions and after heavy rain, so support them early. Clumps decline after three or four years without division.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Sidalcea malviflora but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Sidalcea