American-mallow: complete guide

Overview

American-mallow (Modiola caroliniana) is a creeping groundcover native to South America, from southwestern and southern Brazil northward through Paraguay and Argentina. The plant grows as a low herb fifteen to twenty centimeters high and forms quick, dense carpets. The plant family is Malvaceae (mallow family). This robust plant is very drought-tolerant and winter-hardy to USDA zone seven and even zone six in sheltered spots.

Appearance and bloom

The leaves of Modiola caroliniana are small, about one to two centimeters long, deeply lobed or almost fingered, with very fine texture. The color is bright green and remains attractive throughout the growing season. From May through October, numerous small flowers about eight millimeters across appear in warm red or pink tones. The flowers are five-petaled and appear in great abundance, making the plant very decorative.

Ideal location

American-mallow thrives best in full sun to light shade, with at least four hours of direct sunlight. In very warm locations with afternoon sun, some shade may be welcome. The plant grows well on sloping terrain, rock gardens, between pavers and in hanging baskets. Also excellent for evergreen groundcover in neglected planting areas.

Soil requirements

Moderately nutrient-rich, very well-drained mineral soil. The plant accepts even very poor soils and grows also on acidic sites. Heavy clay soils improve greatly with sand, gravel or perlite added. The plant also grows in pots with standard potting soil but thrives better with extra minerals. pH between six and seven is ideal.

Watering

Once well-established, water supply is important during normal rainfall. During dry periods longer than two weeks, regular watering would be beneficial, especially in pot culture. The plant tolerates drought much better than wet. Avoid water stagnation in pot culture; this causes root rot. In winter, water barely to not at all.

Pruning and maintenance

American-mallow requires very little pruning. Trim only when it exceeds its borders. Regularly remove dead flowers to encourage continued bloom. In early spring, dead stems can be removed. Fertilizing is not needed except on very nutrient-poor soils; then apply light fertilizer once per season.

Maintenance calendar

May: Bloom begins in southern climates, June in temperate zones. June-October: Peak flowering; regularly remove dead flowers. October-November: Blooming decreases. November-April: Quiet growth, no watering needed. In very warm climates, blooming may continue in winter.

Winter hardiness

Winter survival varies with region: USDA zone seven is standard; many specimens survive zone six in shelter. In zone five, provide protection. Plant is sometimes cut to ground level in harsh winters but usually shoots back. Protect with dry mulch.

Compatible companion plants

American-mallow grows beautifully next to other drought-tolerant creeping plants like sedums (Sedum species) and ice plants (Delosperma cooperi). Also attractive with compact silvery-leafed types like dusty miller (Artemisia stelleriana) and cotton lavender (Santolina). In pots combine with hanging sedums and other strongly trailing plants.

Closing thoughts

American-mallow is a valuable herb for gardens with dry climates and scarce water availability. The long flowering period and tolerance for neglect make it ideal for garden designers seeking a low-maintenance groundcover.