Zebra Mallow: A Beautiful Perennial
By Jennifer Martin
Aug 8, 2006, 14:05
Zebra Mallow is also known as Mallow- Hollyhock and Striped Mallow. The scientific name for this perennial is Malva sylvestris 'Zebrina'. This is a smaller cousin to the hollyhock and hibiscus family. Zebra Mallows bloom in the late spring, all summer and into early fall. The blooms are bowl shaped and have a variety of color ranging from lavender-purple to white with maroon stripes. The blooms color creates a pinwheel effect. The foliage stays a dark green.
There are many uses for this perennial. Zebra Mallow can be used in your container gardens, wildflower gardens, for borders, in butterfly gardens and naturalized areas. In your butterfly garden the Zebra Mallow will become a host plant for your butterflies. Also, this plant is rabbit resistant. Another use is for cut flowers.
In the midst of summer it is good to know that this perennial is heat and drought resistant. This perennial self seeds so it will return year after year. The only maintenance that this plant needs, and it is if you choose, is to be pinched back. If you choose to pinch the plant back throughout the summer, you will create a plant that is shorter and compact. Doing so makes this plant very useful for borders and your container garden. However, if you do not pinch it back, it will become tall and may need to be staked. This may not be a problem for those creating a butterfly garden or a wildflower area.
Zebra Mallows can grow up to 24-48 inches tall with strong, sturdy stems. This plant will spread to cover 18-24 inches. It will be hardy in zones 4-8, and will grow well in moderate to high pH soils that are well-drained. It needs full sun.
If you are looking for a perennial that is beautiful and has low maintenance, then consider this plant. I did and I show if off every chance that I can.
