Malva 'Zebrina'

Malva 'Zebrina': Old-Fashioned Charm with a Striped Twist

Whimsical and free-flowering, Malva 'Zebrina' brings vintage appeal and a touch of the unexpected to summer gardens. Its pale mauve blooms, each etched with deep plum-purple veining, rise along tall, branching stems and bloom continuously through the season, drawing in bees and admiration alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–120 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, bushy and upright
• Flower Colour: Lavender-pink with dark purple veining
• Flowering Period: Early summer to fall
• Foliage: Soft green, lobed leaves with a slightly fuzzy texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained soil; tolerant of poorer soils

Uses and Benefits: Malva 'Zebrina' is an easygoing perennial that thrives in cottage gardens, pollinator plantings, and wildflower-style borders. Its abundant blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, while its tall, airy habit creates a charming backdrop or vertical filler among lower-growing companions. Long blooming and self-sufficient, it softens edges and lends a relaxed elegance to sunny plantings.

Companion Plants: Pair Malva 'Zebrina' with Echinacea 'Magnus', whose bold, rose-purple flowers echo the veining in the malva and offer strong pollinator value. Add Salvia 'May Night' for contrast in form and saturated blue-violet tones. Finish with Festuca 'Elijah Blue', whose fine, silver-blue foliage grounds the planting and adds cool texture at the base.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, Malva 'Zebrina' is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. Deadhead to prolong blooming and limit self-seeding, or leave some spent flowers for naturalizing. Cut back in late fall or early spring. May benefit from staking in windy locations due to its height.

History: Malva 'Zebrina' is a heritage garden plant descended from Malva sylvestris, native to Europe and western Asia. Its distinctive striped flowers and generous blooming habit have earned it a place in cottage gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes for generations.

Final Thoughts: Cheerful, charming, and endlessly blooming, Malva 'Zebrina' brings a carefree beauty to the sunniest spots in the garden—perfect for those who love plants with both history and heart.