Position – Sun or part shade
Soil – Well-drained
Flowering Period –Summer and autumn
Hardiness – Fully hardy
Althaea are annuals or perennial plants with robust wiry stems and lightly serrated, ovate foliage. Sprays of gorgeous pink-bluish-purple flowers are followed in the summer, continuing to flourish during the autumn. Althaea are best suited flower beds and borders within cottage and informal gardens. You should expect to see Althaea grow to an approximate height and spread of 1.5m (5’).
Althaea are best planted in well-drained soil of sand, chalk, clay or loam within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Dig a hole that is the same depth and width as the root ball. Space companion plants 40cm (16”) apart and mixing a generous amount of peat moss to the planting area, mixing thoroughly to keep the ground moist. Water thoroughly and deeply to settle the soil into place. Althaea are best positioned in an area of full sun or part shade.
Althaea are low maintenance plants requiring little care so long as they are well spaced. They will require regular watering throughout the summer and should be staked especially if located in a situation that is prone to adverse conditions.
It is possible to propagate Althaea by seed sown in mid-summer.
