Mallows bloom conspicuously and in a wide variety of colors. But in order to enjoy them for a long time, they should be kept in good condition. Here is an overview of the most common types of mallow and how to cut them back.

Is cutting absolutely necessary?

Annual mallows that are not frost hardy and which include, for example, cup mallows, do not have to be cut back. On the other hand, pruning perennial species is an important part of maintenance. Cutting promotes their growth pattern and makes it bushier and denser.

How are hollyhocks cut?

Hollyhocks are biennial to perennial. You will need several cuts:

  • Cut off the flowers immediately after they have faded (seed formation robs you of your strength)
  • remove diseased and wilted leaves
  • in autumn or at the latest in spring the long stalk is cut off to just above the ground

How are bush mallows pruned?

In order to avoid that bush mallows look bare and unsightly, they should be pruned once a year - preferably in spring. Shorten your bush mallow by at least 2/3.

How are musk mallows cut?

Musk mallows such as the Mauritanian mallow are hardy and should be cut back in spring. Its foliage protects it over the winter. It is sufficient to shorten them by a third in spring due to their moderately strong growth.

How are tree mallows pruned?

Tree mallows are two-year-old companions. Only in the second year of their life are they in full bloom. For this reason they should not be cut. A cut would rob them of many flower buds.

How are prairie mallows pruned?

Prairie mallows are just as common as cup mallows. They request a cutting procedure twice. The first takes place in the summer. Withered inflorescences are regularly removed in summer. This allows new flowers to develop and seed formation is prevented. If you want to get seeds, leave the last flowers in late summer.

The second cut takes place in autumn or in spring before budding. The crop is radically shortened to just above the ground. It is best to use pruning shears or rosette shears to cut woody parts.

tips and tricks

It is also worth cutting off individual mallow blossoms before they fade. They are decorative, edible and, due to the mucilage they contain, are extremely beneficial for digestion.

Category:

Herbs