If you ever wonders where the name Mashmallow comes from its from Althaea officinalis, which is the Marshmallow plant.
Although this is used as a garden plant, it does have a connection with the confectionary that we associate the common name with.
History tells us that the Egyptians used the root of the plant to make a confection. It was also used in herbal medicine. Said to be useful in treating a number of complaints and infections, it is also grown as a garden plant.
Care
Given a moist well drained soil this is an easy plant to grow. Like the name suggests, it naturally grows in damp soils, although it will grow in any good soil.
Best in a sunny position, you can grow it from seed, or seedlings if you can find them.Propagation
The method of propagation is from seed.
Summary Information
- Common Name – Marshmallow
- Botanical Name – Althaea officinalis
- Soil – Well drained to moist.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade.
- Foliage – Green.
- Flowers – Creamy white with a touch of pink.
- Flowering time – Spring to Summer.
- Growth Rate – Fast to Medium.
- Height – To 1 metre plus
- Spread – Will spread to form a clump
- Frost tolerant – Light frosts only.
- Drought tolerant – No