A selection of the true Marsh Mallow with soft grey foliage and stems with heart-shaped leaves, finely toothed and pure white five-petalled flowers. Enjoys full sun and a damp situation, hence most likely the reason for its name of 'Marsh Mallow'. Wonderful back of border plant, flowering all through the summer months and an essential part of any cottage garden.

Sow from late winter to mid summer on the surface of a good seed compost. Make sure the compost is moist but not wet and seal inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 15-40 days at 15-18C (60-65F). Do not exclude light which is beneficial to germination.

Transplant the seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Acclimatise to outdoor conditions for a few days and plant out in late spring or autumn 30cm (12in) apart.

Plant into ordinary, well-drained soil in a sunny spot. They can also be sown in mid summer, overwintered in a cold frame and planted out in spring. This produces large plants.