What is this plant please

kitser · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 17 Jul 2017 Posts: 8

Hi. I have searched to identify this plant. I thought it was a weed, but i never uproot anything that grows out of curiosity. It is just starting to bloom and the flowers are are loved by the bees. Many thanks

Sue Deacon · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 4:05 am Post subject:

It's a type of mallow or lavatera. It's part of a big family of plants that include the cottage garden plant, hollyhock as well as the more exotic hibiscus. I found out quite recently that cotton and okra are both 'mallow' too. You learn something new every day!

I have a single-flowered, pink variety that is self-seeding around the garden. Not as showy as the hollyhock but minus it's nasty habit of developing rust.

BTW it's a lovely colour!

kitser · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 17 Jul 2017 Posts: 8

Hi Sue. Thank you very much for your help there. It;s definitely in the mallow/lavatera family. I will try to identify specific flower type. The crimson spot where leaf joins stem should help narrow it down. So far no problem with leaf rust at all. It is growing in the footprint of a rose bush that is suffering with some blackspot so i've trained the bush away from the mallow. The flowers are vibrant and i'm glad that i'm not inclined to uproot unknown plants assuming they are weeds. Last year i had a six foot thistle in full bloom, It lead to a few cross words at home but the bees had a feast on the spoils lol

Sue Deacon · Posted: Thu Jul 20, 2017 5:34 pm Post subject:

That is a stunning colour! Don't think there's much chance of a mallow picking up blackspot from a rose. But if the mallow drips water on the rose, the blackspot could get worse.

tagwex · Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2017 9:18 pm Post subject:

Satisfy my curiosity folks. This is a part of the garden that I didn't use this year and let it grow wild. Covered in bees.

Sue Deacon · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 12:01 am Post subject:

99% sure it's a member of the Labiatae family - mint, sage, lavender, thyme, (which would explain the bees interest) but I am stumped if I know what it is. Very annoying because I feel I SHOULD know it.

Sure Silver surfer will know.

Greengage · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 6:35 am Post subject:

Looks like greater willowherb

Silver surfer · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 4:35 pm Post subject:

A close up would be most helpful.
I believe that it is Stachys palustris...marsh woundwort..

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=stachys+palustris&rlz=1C1GNAM_en-GBGB687GB687&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiswZ3Hk9fVAhUmAsAKHb9pDu0Q_AUICigB&biw=1536&bih=759

Greengage · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:30 pm Post subject:

I was going to say Marsh woundwort but as it is growing in such profusion I suggested willowherb, I know Marsh woundwort has square stems so can you have a look I will stick to my first choice for the moment, Fingers crossed. Smile

Silver surfer · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 8:54 pm Post subject:

Greengage....Greater willow herb...Epilobium hirsutum....have very different shaped flowers..round open shape.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Epilobium+hirsutum&client=firefox-b&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjrs57WzNfVAhUeM8AKHUHOB-wQ_AUICigB&biw=1536&bih=731

Greengage · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 9:07 pm Post subject:

Agree but it is not a very good picture to ID. I have not seen woundwort growing in such profusion usually as single plants or three in a group.

Silver surfer · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 9:26 pm Post subject:

tagwex · Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 8:57 pm Post subject:

There go you folks, a close up that is actually in focus and a wide shot showing the mystery plant growing in profusion. However, all dead or dying by now as they got a dose of Rambo 360 this evening.

Silver surfer · Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2017 9:14 pm Post subject:

Wonderful sight.
Excellent clear pics...thankyou tagwex
Very clearly has square stems.
I rest my case.
Stachys palustris....marsh woundwort.
No wonder the bees loved it.

http://www.aphotoflora.com/d_stachys_palustris_marsh_woundwort.html

Greengage · Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2017 6:55 am Post subject:

Agree silver surfer right as usual.
all dead or dying by now as they got a dose of Rambo 360 this evening Why??
They were not doing any harm and would have been a good source of late pollen and nectar for bees.
http://www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/media/pesticides/content/plantprotectionproducts/ListPPPsApprovedAmateurUseFebruary2017170217.pdf