This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moderately-fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June-September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The combination of attractive foliage and the abundance of relatively large, soft pink flowers, make musk mallow a worthy contender for herbaceous borders as well as more naturalised settings. Also, as the name suggests, both the flowers (and the foliage when gently brushed) have a musky perfume, which makes it ideal for sensory gardens.
  
  
• Garden care: Start off under glass (a greenhouse or cold frame is ideal), sowing seed into pre-moistened compost before lightly covering. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, gently pot them up individually and grow them on before planting out in summer. Alternatively, direct sow in late spring or early summer into a well-prepared seedbed and thin to 45cm as they grow.
  
  
• Sow: February-June
  
  
• Flowering: June-September
  
  
• Approximate quantity: 50 seeds