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Key characteristics

Family: Malvaceae
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Width: 1 to 2 feet
Flower color: Pure white with a soft musky scent
Foliage color: Light green, deeply lobed leaves
Bloom time: June to September
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Average
Maintenance: Low; deadhead to encourage continuous blooming
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 8
Wildlife: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Perennials

Malva moschata f. alba

White Musk Mallow

Malva moschata f. alba, commonly known as white musk mallow, is a herbaceous perennial that produces an abundance of pure white, saucer-shaped flowers. Blooming from early summer to early autumn, the flowers exude a delicate beauty and emit a light, musky fragrance. They are complemented by finely cut, green foliage, which adds a soft, airy texture to the plant's overall appearance.

This form of musk mallow is a naturally occurring variety of Malva moschata, a species native to Europe and western Asia.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Average

Bloom time

June to September

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Cottage Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Hummingbird Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas

Design tip

Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)