• Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) in bloom
  • Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) in bloom
1 2
Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) in bloom
Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) in bloom

Althaea officinalis | marsh mallow

This plant will not be available in 2026, however, propagation is planned/underway. Please sign up for the waitlist below to receive updates on availability in future years.

The roots of Althaea officinalis (marsh mallow) were once used to make marshmallows through a long and laborious process. Today, the roots are most commonly used medicinally in a throat-soothing tea. We grow this tall plant solely for its beauty. Pale pink, hibiscus-like flowers hover on tall stems above velvety leaves. 

Easy to grow on moist, organically rich soil in full sun. Like all members of the mallow family, this plant is susceptible to rust and does best with excellent air circulation.

Zones: 3 to 9
Family: Malvaceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 36 to 72 in.
Spread: 30 to 48 in.
Exposure: full sun
Soil Conditions: moist, fertile
Bloom Time: July to September
Bloom Color: lavender-rose with a darker eye
Native Range: Europe and Northern Africa 

image credits

Len Worthington,CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K,CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) in bloom
Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) in bloom

See all in this genus

garden location coming soongarden location coming soon
garden location coming soongarden location coming soon
 

view this plant in our gardens:

|

seedling image

Althaea officinalis | marsh mallow

We are slowly creating a seedling image library to help make weeding easier.
garden location coming soongarden location coming soon
 
garden location coming soongarden location coming soon