Description
Althaea officinalis.
Native to Europe and Western Asia, this tall perennial was once an old garden favourite, kept for its beautiful flowers and medicinal qualities.
In summer, the pale lilac / white flowers travel up the stems, creating a beautiful show and helping to attract beneficial insects into the garden.
The flowers and leaves are edible and can be boiled, fried or added to salads.
The plant has a long thick tap root that is edible. The root was once used as a medical confection, used for treating coughs and sore throats. French confectioners later mixed rose water and meringue, creating the sugar-based treat known today as marshmallow (without the health benefits).
The plant enjoys moist, free draining soil in a full sun position.
