Species Data Page 17

Design By Nature - wildflowers.ie - Irish Wildflowers

Species Datapage No 17

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Species Common Name: Musk Mallow

Species Botanical Name: Malva moschata

In Ireland this uncommon wildflower of the well known Mallow Family is found on dry soils in the South East, where there is little competition from other wild plants. Cultivated forms of this plant are in many garden centres, indeed the cultivated varieties are better in colour, shape and form. Yet, where I collected the seed of this species, it grew in grassland, roadside and verges, and in 'my book' and many a low maintenance gardener, that will do, very nicely, thank you.
Anyway there is a certain charm to plants like the Musk Mallow blowing in the breeze along side the other wildflowers and grasses. At such times the more delicate colour, shape and form of the wild ancestor are just the 'job'!

Management: Keep competition away and allow to set seed, grows on disturbed soils before grasses invade. The seeds germinate easily and the plant is winter hardy, proved at our 1000 feet above sea level (-12⁰) genebank.

Tolerance of cutting: Low to Medium, just keep the cutting blades higher to 6cm.

Cutting time: None, Spring, Autumn.

Edible / Medicinal: Reported as Edible & Medicinal, My advice is do not consume unless advised. I have not eaten it myself so I cant advise.

Life Cycle (Form): Perennial

Flower Height: 10 to 40 cm

Foliage Height: 5 - 20 cm

Flower Colour: Pink

Flowering period: July, August,

Time to Flower: 12, months

Soil Type: Will grow in most dry, sandy or loam soils, or one that is well drained.

pH Type: Neutral, Alkaline.

Moisture: Dry,

Aspect: Full sun,

Wildlife Value: Medium, Attracts Butterflies, Bees, Bumblebees, Hoverflies and Insects.

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Species Common Name: Mallow or Tree Mallow (shrub)

Species Botanical Name: Malva sylvestris

No photo available

Management: Prune to half its height after flowering before winter and again in spring to tidy, Flowers on new growth.

Tolerance of cutting: Pruning only

Cutting time: None,

Edible / Medicinal:

Life Cycle (Form): Perennial Shrub

Flower Height: 80 to 260 cm

Foliage Height: 65 - 130 cm

Flower Colour: Violet, Blue, Pink

Flowering period: July, August, September.

Time to Flower: 12,

Soil Type: Will grow in most soils, best in dry, sandy soil

pH Type: Acid, Neutral, Alkaline.

Moisture: Dry,

Aspect: Full sun,

Wildlife Value: Low,

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Species Common Name: Marjoram

Species Botanical Name: Origanum vulgare

Management: Can be cut regularly, and tolerates competition. Marjoram like limy soils and an open grassland, where you have it encourage this fast disappearing species. Found on Eskers, the Burren and on calcareous grasslands, it grows well from our seed mixtures on the right soil and provides some of the best flowers being scented and later than many meadow species.

Tolerance of cutting: High