Marshmallow crown – Althaea officinalis
$12.00
Grow Your Own Soothing Marshmallow Plant
Add a gentle, healing presence to your garden with Marshmallow crowns. This classic perennial herb grows into tall, graceful plants with soft, velvety grey-green leaves and delicate pale pink to white saucer-shaped flowers from mid-summer to autumn.
Historically grown for both beauty and medicine, Marshmallow is a wonderful addition to herb gardens, cottage borders, wildlife gardens, and damp areas. Its tall stems and soft texture make it an attractive background plant.
3 in stock
Description
Traditional & Medicinal Uses
Marshmallow has been treasured since ancient times for its remarkable soothing qualities:
- Respiratory Support: The root is a classic demulcent — forms a soothing mucilage that coats and calms irritated throats, dry coughs, and bronchial passages.
- Digestive Comfort: Traditionally used for heartburn, gastritis, ulcers, and general digestive inflammation due to its protective, coating action.
- Skin & Wound Care: External use of roots or leaves in poultices, salves, or washes for minor burns, wounds, eczema, and inflamed skin.
- Urinary & Oral Health: Supports soothing of the urinary tract and used as a gentle mouthwash for sore gums or mouth ulcers.
- Other Uses: High in mucilage, vitamins, and minerals. The leaves are edible when young (mild flavour) and can be used in salads or as a thickening agent.
Note: Primarily used as a gentle, soothing herb. Always consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before using medicinally, especially if pregnant, on medication, or have diabetes.
Why Grow Marshmallow?
- Beautiful tall flowers that attract bees and pollinators
- One of the best traditional “soothing” herbs for home use
- Perennial — returns reliably each year
- Tolerates moist to wet soils (great for boggy spots)
- Low-maintenance and hardy
How to Grow Marshmallow Crowns
Planting:
- Plant crowns in spring or autumn.
- Set crowns just below soil level, spacing 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart.
- Water well after planting.
Soil & Care:
- Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil (thrives in heavy or clay soils that hold moisture).
- Full sun to partial shade.
- Keep consistently moist — ideal near ponds, streams, or in damp garden beds. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Low fertiliser needs; compost is sufficient.
Growth & Harvest:
- Height: 90–150 cm (3–5 feet)
- Spread: 45–60 cm
- Blooms: Mid-summer to autumn (pale pink/white flowers)
- Harvest: Leaves can be picked throughout the season. Roots are best harvested in autumn from the second or third year. Wash, slice, and dry for teas or preparations.
- Cut back spent stems in late autumn. Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigour.
Marshmallow is a tough, easy-to-grow perennial — perfect for beginner herbal gardeners.
Ready to grow your own source of natural soothing comfort?
Limited seasonal stock! Available May – Sept or until sold out.
