Island Mallow
Malva assurgentiflora
Also listed as Lavatera assurgentiflora
Also known as Californian Mallow, Malva Rosa
Climate Match for your location
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Island Mallow is a California native shrub with rounded form, producing showy pink to lavender flowers for many months. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, it thrives in sandy soils and attracts pollinators.
Why grow it
Island Mallow offers extended bloom compared to many native shrubs, flowering over several months in favorable conditions. Among California native mallows, it tolerates sandier, drier soils than some alternatives and establishes relatively quickly once rooted. Its pollinator value and moderate mature size (typically 4-6 feet) make it useful as a specimen or component in water-conserving landscapes where pink to lavender flowers are desired.
Watch out for
Young plants benefit from consistent moisture during establishment, so plan accordingly if relying on summer irrigation discipline. In cooler inland regions or where humidity remains high, monitor for fungal issues on foliage, as the species evolved in coastal conditions. Container-grown stock may require acclimation to full sun and sandy soil conditions to avoid transplant stress.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Malvaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California Channel Islands
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Island Mallow is a California native shrub with rounded form, producing showy pink to lavender flowers for many months. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, it thrives in sandy soils and attracts pollinators.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Island Mallow grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Island Mallow offers extended bloom compared to many native shrubs, flowering over several months in favorable conditions. Among California native mallows, it tolerates sandier, drier soils than some alternatives and establishes relatively quickly once rooted. Its pollinator value and moderate mature size (typically 4-6 feet) make it useful as a specimen or component in water-conserving landscapes where pink to lavender flowers are desired.
Watch out for
Young plants benefit from consistent moisture during establishment, so plan accordingly if relying on summer irrigation discipline. In cooler inland regions or where humidity remains high, monitor for fungal issues on foliage, as the species evolved in coastal conditions. Container-grown stock may require acclimation to full sun and sandy soil conditions to avoid transplant stress.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Malvaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
California Channel Islands
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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