Palm-leaf marshmallow
Althaea cannabina

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Althaea cannabina is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 1.8

Where it is found

Cultivated ground and waste places.

Europe - S. France.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

A fibre obtained from the stem is used for making fine fabrics and paper. It is brittle and tears easily.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

How it is grown

Succeeds in almost any soil. Prefers a rich moist soil in a sunny position. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. This species is occasionally cultivated for the fibre in its stems.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within a few weeks. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions during the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Fairly easy, it is best to pot up the divisions in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are growing away well and then plant them out into their permanent positions.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. kotschyi. A. narbonensis.