Stockrose, popularly mallow, looks elegant during the flowering period, its stems reach 3 m in height, the flowers are large. The plant is not picky about habitat conditions, it can grow where others have not taken root.
The plant can be used to create flower arrangements. There are perennial and annual varieties, undersized, up to 30 cm in height, and tall species. In the latter case, mallow grows over 2 m.
If there is enough nitrogen in the soil, then a strong dense stem and large inflorescences will form in the stockrose.
Shades during flowering are varied: white, cream, yellow, burgundy, pink and red. There are purple, almost black colors.
The appearance of the mallow depends on the planting site. The plant is cold and drought resistant. It prefers sunny areas, but can grow in partial shade. In the latter case, the flowering is not so colorful. Mallow needs a site protected from drafts, even stems tied to a support can break from gusts of wind. It is better to plant mallow in light soil with an admixture of sand. Heavy clay soil is not suitable.
You can propagate mallow by seed or seedling method.
In the spring, when the soil warms up to 10-15 ° C, sow the seed at a distance of 30-50 cm from each other. Place 3-5 pieces in one hole. You can sow seeds in open ground in the fall, then next year the mallow will bloom earlier.
Recommendations for growing seedlings:
- In early February, plant the seeds in pots of potting soil.
- Cover the container with foil and place it in a room where the air temperature does not exceed 18-20˚С.
- Remove the cover after emergence. Thin the sprouts at 2 cm intervals.
- Dive the plants after 2 leaves appear.
Plant the seedlings outdoors in May, 50 cm apart.
Despite the fact that this plant is quite unpretentious, it still needs care. Here’s what to do:
- Water flowers in hot weather. Mallow likes abundant watering, but water should not fall on the leaves.
- Feed the plant 2-3 times a season with universal mallow fertilizers. You can mulch the soil with compost.
- Remove faded inflorescences.
- Tie plants over 1 m in height to a support, otherwise they will break from the severity of the inflorescences. Use wooden or plastic sticks.
Mallow winters well. It is necessary to cover the plant with agrofibre in the northern regions or in a harsh winter with little snow.
Stockroses look good in single and group plantings. They can be planted together with short and tall plants in a flower bed and in a bed, along buildings and fences.