A tall growing hardy perennial with white or sometimes pale pink flowers. It has a long history of medicinal use, the powdered root used as a soothing paste and later to make confectionary. 9x9cm pot (8cm depth)
Description
- Attracts bees
- Easy to grow
- Good for a wild garden
- Edible flowers
The name is well known as confectionary and the precursor to marshmallow was 'pate de guimauve', a mixture of sugar, egg white and root extract which was a kind of meringue left to harden. Often other flavours like rosewater were often added. The Romans considered it a delicious vegetable and the young spring leaves can be added to salads. A tall growing herb, it is a great addition to a wildlife garden.
Plant Care
- Height: 150cm+
- Type: Hardy
- Aspect: Sun
- Soil: Any/alkaline
- Flower colour: White
- Flowering period: July - August
An easy herb to grow, marshmallow likes a heavier soil and at least half a days of sunshine. This is a tall herb and needs to be given some space if planted in the ground. If you don't have space, fear not, it grows well in containers and can be potted on each year into bigger pots to keep it strong and healthy. It dies down each winter and sprouts again in spring.
Usage
Egyptian, Greek and Arabic physicians have used marshmallow root, leaf and flower medicinally for centuries.
The soothing, moistening and cooling properties act on heated, irritated and aggravated conditions of the body. The tea can be made with hot or cold water and sipped to soothe digestive complaints, dry coughs and urinary infections.
The mucilaginous root can be combined to make medicinal lozenges for dry coughs.