Wild Flower – Marshmallow - Althaea officinalis
This is a handsome plant with grey-green, heart-shaped leaves which have the feel of velvet. The flowers are large, pale rose coloured and grow, several together, from the leaf axils. It flowers in August/September and grows to a height of 1.2m.
Sow the seeds in trays in spring or late summer/autumn, covering lightly with soil, and place in a cold frame. Plant out in the summer when seedlings are large enough to handle. Germination may be helped by a period of stratification. It will grow in most conditions but prefers damp conditions in full sun.