| Latin Name: | Abelmoschus moschatus |
| Common Name: | Musk mallow |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Synonyms: | Hibiscus abelmoschus. |
| Known Hazards: | None known |
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Author: Medik.
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| Habit: A Fast Growing Perennial |
| Habitat: Not known |
| Height: 2.0 Width: 1.0 |
Cultivation Details:
Easily grown in a rich well-drained soil in a sunny position[238]. Tolerates a pH in the range 6 to 7.8.
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c and can be grown outdoors in the milder areas of the country[238]. The plant grows as a shrub in frost-free climates but is usually cut back to the ground in British winters. So long as these winters are not too cold, however, it can usually be grown as a herbaceous perennial with new shoots being produced freely from the root-stock. These flower in the summer[238]. It is probably wise to apply a good mulch to the roots in the autumn[K].
It is best to cut back the stems to about 15cm long in the spring even if they have not been killed back by the frost[238]. This will ensure an abundance of new growth and plenty of flowers in the summer.
The musk mallow is widely cultivated in tropical climates for its many uses[238].
There is at least one named form, selected for its ornamental value. 'Mischief' is somewhat smaller than the species, reaching a height of 50cm[238].
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Propagation Notes:
Seed - sow April in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best at a temperature around 24 - 24°c[238]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of rich soil and plant them out after the last expected frosts[K]. The seed can also be sown in situ in late April in warm summer areas.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July in a frame[238].
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