Malva 'Mystic Merlin' Seeds

'Mystic Merlin' takes the familiar shape of the Common Mallow and gives it a sophisticated, dramatic makeover. It produces huge, open, hibiscus-like flowers in an intense, deep violet-purple. The petals are dramatically etched with veins so dark they appear almost black, giving the whole plant a mystical, brooding presence.

This is a fast-growing, upright perennial that provides effortless colour. It brings a touch of Gothic elegance to borders, blending beautifully with dark foliage and acting as a striking contrast to bright pinks and yellows.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Mystic Merlin'

We love this plant because it is one of the longest flowering perennials available. It starts blooming reliably in early summer and, if you keep deadheading, it will continue to pump out flowers almost non-stop until the first hard frost of autumn. This long season of colour is invaluable.

It is also incredibly tough. Mallows are survivors, happy in poor, dry soil, and thriving in full sun where many fussier plants would struggle. The flowers and young leaves are also edible, making a colourful addition to summer salads (though we recommend the less dramatic *Malva moschata* for culinary use).

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Perennial?

Common Mallow is a vigorous Hardy Perennial (often short-lived).

This means it forms a solid root crown that returns every spring, though it may only last 3-5 years.
Habit: It is highly vigorous and will self-seed readily. If you leave the spent flowers, you will find baby 'Merlins' popping up all over the garden the following spring.
Top Tip: Deadhead! If you want to keep the plant flowering right through autumn and control its spread, you must deadhead the spent blooms religiously.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Mallows are reliable and easy to germinate, often flowering in their first year if sown early.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors Feb-April or directly outdoors May-June. Sow the seeds about 5mm deep in moist compost. Keep warm (18-20°C). Germination is usually fast, around 10-14 days.

Where to Sow:
It loves full sun to keep the stems sturdy and upright. It is highly adaptable but prefers well-drained soil. Avoid rich soil, as this makes the plant weak and floppy.

Care While Growing:
These plants are largely pest and disease free. Water young plants until they are established. Once established, they are drought tolerant. Cut back the entire plant hard in late autumn or early spring to encourage fresh new growth.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

The dark purple of 'Mystic Merlin' looks incredible when contrasted with soft white or airy textures:

• ☁️ Cosmos 'Purity': For an elegant, sophisticated contrast. The sheer white, airy petals of the Cosmos lighten the density of the Mallow, creating a classic "dark vs light" pairing.
• ❄️ Gypsophila 'Covent Garden': This is a texture masterclass. Plant the frothy white Gypsophila around the base of the Mallow; the tiny white flowers will make the Mallow's large dark blooms look even more intense.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow early spring for first-year flowers, or summer for flowers next year.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)