Summer mallow, poplar rose
Summer mallow is an easy-care summer delight with bell-shaped flowers in pink. light red and white. Summer mallow is beautiful and durable both in a bed and in a bouquet. In addition, the whole plant is edible. Also called poplar rose.
Tall flower splendour
Summer mallow is an erect beauty that grows 60-120 cm. It has a naturally bushy, branched growth habit that forms a flowing sea of flowers. If you pick summer mallow for a bouquet, even more shoots are formed.
Many different types of mallow grow wild in Africa, Asia and Europe. Traditionally, the leaves and flowers have been considered beneficial for the skin, respiratory system and digestion. The Roman poet Horace claimed that his diet consisted of olives, endives and mallow. Such a diet certainly doesn’t cover the whole dietary circle, but as an edible decoration, summer mallow is hard to beat on the dining table.
Mallow has been cultivated in Sweden for a long time. The plant is often referred to as a grandmother’s flower or a crofter’s plant because it is so widespread and popular. Bees, butterflies and other pollinators also appreciate the pastel-coloured elegance of the summer mallow.
Propagating or direct sowing summer mallow
Corn salad can either be pre-cultivated or direct sown. Pre-cultivate indoors in April-May or sow directly in the country once the soil has warmed up. Place the seeds about 1 cm deep, water the seed and keep it moist. Summer mallow grows well at room temperature. Once the plants have emerged, they thrive best in a bright and cool place.
Autumn or winter sowing of summer mallow
In spring, many enthusiastic growers are short of space on windowsills and plant tables. That’s when autumn or winter sowing comes in handy. Mallows are one of the summer flowers that are suitable for sowing outdoors in autumn or winter. Make sure that the seed does not dry out, for example by putting snow on the surface of the soil. Towards the end of spring, the seeds will recognise when it is time to germinate. Then they get a jump start on the season.
Planting and caring for summer mallow
When the risk of frost is over, plant the summer mallow in its final location. Harden off the plants by keeping them outdoors for longer and longer periods over a few days. Use a fibre cloth during the hardening off period to protect against wind, cold and excessive sun.
Plant summer mallow in a sunny or semi-shady position, preferably slightly protected from wind. Keep a distance of about 30 cm between the plants. Because summer mallow can grow to a height of around one metre, it makes a perfect background plant in the border. We also like to plant a couple of snapdragons in the vegetable patch alongside other travelling crops – such as corn, broad beans and Jerusalem artichokes. Corn salad is also beautiful in pots.
Mallow is an easy-care and undemanding plant that flowers abundantly throughout the summer. The plants may need support from a trellis or plant sticks if they are in a windy place.
Delicate flower in food and bouquet
Summer mallow gives a delicate and fragile impression. Yet it is very durable as a cut flower. The panicles branch out when pruned, so there is only more of the glory out in the country when you cut flowers for bouquets.
The bright bellflowers of the summer mallow are beautiful on their own and also look good with small-flowered plants, such as bridal lily.
The whole plant is edible, and the tender leaves have a mild, delicate flavour that is good in salads. Slightly larger leaves can be used like chard or spinach, i.e. fried, parboiled or mixed. Summer chard flowers are a colourful delight for summer salads, fruit desserts, cakes and cheese trays.
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated 2022-10-14