Island mallow
Malva assurgentiflora
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–180" H × 60"–120" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA fast-growing, large shrub with maple-like lobed leaves and showy pink-purple hibiscus-like flowers produced over most of the year. It can become leggy and open without periodic pruning.
Wildlife value
Host plant for West Coast lady, painted lady.
The nearly year-round flowers feed bees and hummingbirds, and the foliage is a documented host for West Coast lady and painted lady butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Island mallow need?
- Island mallow grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Island mallow bloom?
- Island mallow blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Island mallow native?
- Island mallow (Malva assurgentiflora) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Island mallow host?
- Island mallow is a larval host plant for West Coast lady and painted lady.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Island mallow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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