Common Mallow: (Malva sylvestris) generally behaves as a biennial in the southeast, with young plants appearing from seed in late summer or fall and blooming the following summer. It looks much like a miniature hollyhock with 1½ to two inch wide flowers in shades of purple or lavender. Plants are variable in height, reaching anywhere from two to five feet tall. Many varieties are available from seed. The most commonly seen is ‘Zebrinus’, with flower petals striped purple and white. Common mallow is a native of Europe, but has become naturalized in much of the US. It readily self seeds. Plants perform best in the Piedmont, and prefer full sun, and good garden soil.