musk mallow
Abelmoschus moschatus
Overview
Musk mallow (Abelmoschus moschatus) is an amazing plant. It is a tall, herbaceous annual with attractive flowers, growing up to two metres in height and bearing large, hibiscus-like blooms in shades of pink and purple. It has a distinctive, musky scent, and its flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. It is an excellent choice for Borders, Containers and Cottage Gardens, with a wonderfully long flowering period. It is also an ideal cut flower and is an important source of food in some parts of the world. Overall, its fast-growing, easy-to-maintain habit and its beautiful flowers make musk mallow an ideal choice for any garden.
Care Guide
Watering
Musk mallow plants should be watered once a week, providing about 1 inch of water over the entire soil surface. During hot, dry weather, it may be necessary to water up to twice a week. During the winter months, reduce watering to once every 2 weeks or less. Blooming can be delayed if the plant is excessively watered. Monitor the soil for moisture to ensure your musk mallow is getting the proper amount of water.
Light
Musk mallow prefers full to partial sunlight. Since this plant is native to tropical climates, it’s best to provide at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight throughout the day. If possible, an area where the plant will receive direct sunlight in the morning and some afternoon shade would be ideal. Constant direct sunlight throughout a whole day could be too much for this species so providing some shade from the harsh rays is beneficial.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 9-11.
Pruning
Pruning should be done when the plant is actively growing in the spring and summer, which is usually around early May to late August or beginning of September. First, dead, diseased, and damaged stems should be removed as a first step of cleaning. Light pruning should be done to control the size and shape of the plant. Pinching the tips of the shoots will help to promote branching. Judicious cutting back of the stems to a few buds on each stem can also help increase branching and promote more flowers. Do not prune too severely as this will stunt growth. Pruning should be done on an as-needed basis, and not excessively.
Propagation
Seed Propagation, Cutting, Division
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow musk mallow.
