Malva Sylvestris Mauritanicus “Windsor Castle”

A surprise in the garden?  Well, it was a surprise to me since I hadn’t planted it.  This lovely little plant appeared late this summer.  With some help from my on-line gardening community friends from The Irish Garden (http://www.garden.ie) it was identified as a malva plant.  I believe it is Sylvestris Mauritanicus “Windsor Castle”.   It is also known as Common Mallow, and is a leafy biennial-perennial.  It will (hopefullly!) re-seed itself, and will grow to 3 or 4 feet in height.

Malva in the early days

Of course I took pictures as it grew.  In the early days I was thinking it was a pretty weed!  The new buds are a dark purple, yet the flowers are a wine color.

Malva in the early days

Malva Sylvestris Mauritanicus “Windsor Castle”

Malva

The only down side of this story is that it is in my white and yellow garden!  Given how lovely this color is, I think I can live with one more addition to the color scheme of my center garden.

Malva in front of my yellow Potentilla

I have to say I’m really happy about this plant growing in my garden!  Such a lovely surprise. 🙂

Malva

Have you had any nice surprises lately?

Happy fall!
Dana