Common Mallow (Malva neglecta)

Common Mallow

Malva neglecta

It spreads soft, cup-shaped blooms like tiny suns in lawns. Low-growing herbaceous biennial; common names: common mallow, cheeseweed.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates short periods of light shade in hot climates
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Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to mild frosts; thrives in temperate to warm growing conditions
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Round to kidney-shaped, shallowly lobed, with soft pubescence on both surfaces
  • Flower: Pale pink to white cup-shaped blooms, 1–2 cm diameter, with five rounded petals
  • Stem: Slender, hairy, branching from the base to form a low mat
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth

Fertilization

Light feeding with balanced nutrients once monthly. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent leggy, weak growth

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to replenish calcium without burning delicate roots
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage prolonged flowering through the growing season
  • Trim back leggy stems in mid-summer to promote bushier, more compact growth
  • Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and improve airflow
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic; no known adverse effects

Humans: Non-toxic; leaves and flowers are edible when young

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Edible young leaves and flowers for salads, teas, or cooked greens; low-growing ornamental ground cover