The musk mallow is a perennial species of mallow that you should prune back occasionally. The perennials can become stronger and a second flowering is also possible. What you should consider when cutting Musk Mallow.

By pruning, the Musk Mallow can be stimulated to flower a second time

The right time to cut Musk Mallow

  • Topiary in autumn
  • Cut back all the woody plants
  • only cut in spring before harsh winters
  • Cut off faded flowers

To get musk mallows into shape, it is best to cut them back by a third in the fall.

However, if a very cold and harsh winter is imminent, it is better to postpone pruning until spring. The foliage hanging from the bush forms a good protection against frost.

Only cut back hardy plants

Older musk mallows become woody on the stems. You should cut these specimens down a lot in the fall. This stimulates the growth of new shoots and strengthens the plant as a whole. In this way you can significantly extend the lifespan of this mallow species.

By strengthening the new shoots, the musk mallow becomes more robust overall. It then hardly needs any winter protection in winter.

You have to be more careful with young plants whose shoots are not yet lignified. Only cut the upper shoot tips here.

Stimulate the second flowering period by pruning

A second flowering of the musk mallow can be achieved by cutting the inflorescences immediately after flowering. The flower and the stem growing underneath are cut, so that the plant is shaped at the same time.

With favorable temperatures and an early first flowering, the plant will sprout again in autumn and produce new flowers.

By removing the flowers, the musk mallow cannot form seeds from which you can grow new plants. If sowing is planned, you must leave some flowers.

Mallow flowers are edible

You can not only eat mallow blossoms, you can also use them to prepare a delicious mallow tea. To do this, cut the flowers while they are in full bloom. The flowers can also be used to decorate salads and cold dishes.

tips

Annual mallows sow themselves every year. You don't need any care. However, cutting back the wild form can also be worthwhile if you want to encourage the flower to bloom a second time.

Category:

Vegetable garden