Chinese mallow Plant Care

Chinese mallow (Muricococcum sinense) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family within the Muricococcum genus. Chinese mallow is native to southern China and northern Vietnam. Chinese mallow is also known as Chinese hollyhock.

Chinese mallow displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Chinese mallow produces small clusters of greenish-yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese mallow every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese mallow thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chinese mallow in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Muricococcum sinense tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Chinese mallow prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Chinese mallow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese mallow every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese mallow is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese mallow can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese mallow while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Chinese mallow is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese mallow can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chinese mallow is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chinese mallow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Chinese mallow is native to southern China and northern Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Chinese mallow as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.