Marsh mallow

Marsh mallow is a hardy perennial and needs no protection in the lowlands of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Cut the shoots back only lightly in autumn and leave the stems standing over winter. Remove frost-damaged parts only in spring, and then it shoots strongly again.

Marsh mallow can be propagated in three ways: sowing, division and root cuttings.

Sowing: in our experience marsh mallow germinates irregularly and benefits from a cold phase (cold-stratification seeds). The easiest way is to sow the seeds as early as late summer to autumn (September/October) in trays or directly into a cold frame and put them in a cool, frost-protected place (unheated greenhouse, cold frame or outdoors): the natural freeze-thaw cycles over winter break the dormancy. Alternatively, direct sowing outdoors between January and March works, as long as temperatures are still low. Cover the seeds with about 1 cm of soil and keep them evenly moist. As soon as it gets warmer in spring, the seed germinates, often only after several weeks. Prick out the young plants from March/April and set them outdoors from May. In a good spot, marsh mallow also self-seeds.

Division: carefully dig up an established clump, at least 3 to 4 years old, in autumn or early spring with a digging fork to spare the fleshy root. Divide the rootstock with a spade or sharp knife into fist-sized pieces, best from the younger growth zone, each with a shoot base. Trim untidy cut surfaces and remove damaged parts. Plant the pieces immediately about 70 to 80 cm apart, press the soil down well and water thoroughly. Because of the deep taproot, division is somewhat more demanding than with fibrous-rooted perennials.

Root cuttings: in December, during dormancy, you can cut off pieces of the strong root and insert them as root cuttings, a reliable alternative to the often capricious sowing. Lay the root pieces in loose, free-draining compost, keep them cool and evenly moist; in spring they shoot.