Althaea officinalis Marshmallow - Live Medicinal Herb Plant
Sow Exotic
Soothing Herbal Powerhouse with Soft Blooms and Silky Roots
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a medicinal herb and flowering perennial treasured for centuries for its soothing, mucilaginous roots and leaves. Native to Europe and Western Asia, this soft, silvery plant is the original source of the sweet we know todayβbut its true gift lies in its ability to calm inflammation, support digestion, and soothe the respiratory tract.
The plant features velvety leaves and pale pink hibiscus-like flowers, loved by pollinators and perfect for herb gardens, cottage borders, and apothecary patches. Its roots, leaves, and flowers are traditionally used in teas, syrups, and salves to ease sore throats, coughs, and skin irritations.
Marshmallow grows best in moist, well-draining soil with full to part sun and is particularly suited to medicinal gardens, wetland edges, and temperate food forests. This hardy perennial brings a gentle beauty and powerful healing energy to any space.
Why You'll Love It:
- Supports respiratory, digestive, and skin health naturally
- Attracts pollinators with soft pink blooms
- Traditional plant ally in herbalism for soothing inflammation
- Easy to grow in moist, sunny to partially shaded spots
- Soft, silvery foliage adds texture and charm to herb gardens
- Plants ship in plantable coconut coir pots or recyclable nursery pots! Just pop them in the ground or reuse and recycle.
| scientific Name | Althaea officinalis |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Marshmallow, Marsh Mallow, White Mallow |
| Family | Malvaceae (Mallow Family) |
| Origin | Europe and Western Asia |
| Plant Type | Medicinal Herb / Flowering Perennial |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Herb / Groundcover Layer |
| Mature Size | 3β5 ft tall and wide |
| Light | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate to High; prefers moist soil |
| Harvest Season | Summer to Fall (roots harvested in fall) |
| Time to Harvest | 1 year+ for roots; leaves/flowers earlier |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Zones | USDA Zones 4β9 |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Seeds, Cuttings, Division |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Deciduous in winter; blooms in summer |















