Description
Malva moschata ‘Pink Perfection’ also known as musk mallow or Malva ‘Pink Perfection’, this graceful perennial is a cottage garden classic, prized for its soft pink blooms, airy habit, and wildlife-friendly appeal. Native to Europe and naturalized across the British Isles, it thrives in sunny borders, wildflower meadows, and informal plantings.
Height and Spread
Height: Typically reaches 60–100 cm (2–3.3 feet), with flowering stems rising above the foliage.
Spread: Forms clumps around 40–60 cm (1.3–2 feet) wide.
Growth Habit: Upright and branching, with slender stems and a relaxed, open form.
Its moderate size makes it ideal for mid-border placement, where it can mingle with other perennials and self-seeders.
Flowers and Foliage
From midsummer into early autumn, Pink Perfection produces a profusion of saucer-shaped, baby-pink flowers with five delicate petals and a subtle musky fragrance. Each bloom is around 4–5 cm across and highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The foliage is deeply lobed, mid-green, and slightly hairy, adding texture and softness to the planting scheme.
Growing Conditions
Light: Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
Soil: Well-drained, light, sandy or loamy soils; thrives even in poor soil.
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK (H7), tolerating temperatures down to -20°C.
Aspect: Suitable for east, south, or west-facing positions.
Wildlife and Garden Use
A magnet for pollinators, Pink Perfection is ideal for wildlife gardens, cottage borders, and naturalistic schemes. It pairs beautifully with Knautia, Scabious, Achillea, and ornamental grasses. Its long flowering period and nectar-rich blooms make it a valuable addition to any biodiversity-focused planting.
Maintenance Tips
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Cut back after blooming to encourage a second flush or to tidy the plant. May self-seed gently in suitable conditions. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
