Plant family
Mallows & hibiscus — Malvaceae
51 species across 8 genera in the Growli library
The mallow family spans the flamboyant hibiscus (hardy and tropical), the tree-like abutilon and flowering maples, hollyhocks, and — since the family was widened — the limes/lindens (Tilia). Most carry big, five-petalled, often funnel-shaped flowers.
Browse mallows & hibiscus by genus
All mallows & hibiscus we cover
- American Basswood
- Blue Bird Rose of Sharon
- Brilliant Hibiscus
- Broad-Leaved Lime
- Cape Mallow
- Common hollyhock
- Common Lime
- Common Mallow
- Confederate Rose
- Crimean Linden
- Diana Rose of Sharon
- Eared Abutilon
- Few-flowered Abutilon
- Flowering maple
- Grapeleaf Abutilon
- Greenspire Linden
- Hairy Abutilon
- Hairy Mallow
- Hemp-leaved Marshmallow
- Henry's Lime
- Hibiscus
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Cooper'
- Hibiscus syriacus 'Aphrodite'
- Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Bird'
- Hibiscus syriacus 'Helene'
- Hibiscus syriacus 'Minerva'
- Hollyhock
- Indian Mallow
- Marshmallow
- Mongolian Linden
- Musk Mallow
- Painted Flowering Maple
- Palmer's Indian Mallow
- Pelotazo Mallow
- Redvein Abutilon
- Rose of Sharon
- Rose of Sharon 'Blue Bird'
- Rose of Sharon 'Diana'
- Roselle
- Rough Marshmallow
- Rough-leaved Cape Mallow
- Sea Hibiscus
- Sharp-fruited Abutilon
- Shrubby Indian Mallow
- Silver Cup Annual Mallow
- Sterling Silver Linden
- Swamp Rose Mallow
- Tilia cordata
- Tilia tomentosa 'Petiolaris'
- Trailing Abutilon
- Velvetleaf
Mallows & hibiscus — frequently asked questions
Are mallows & hibiscus toxic to cats and dogs?
Most mallows & hibiscus are pet-safe. Of the 51 mallows & hibiscus we cover, 32 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 19 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even in a mostly-safe family, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do mallows & hibiscus need?
Most mallows & hibiscus want plenty of direct sun — 39 of the 51 in our library do best there. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it needs more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much.
Are mallows & hibiscus easy to care for?
Some mallows & hibiscus suit experienced growers — several want strong light, sharp drainage or a specific seasonal rhythm. Check the individual species page for the exact regime before you buy.
What is the Malvaceae family?
The Malvaceae family — the mallows & hibiscus — groups 51 species across 8 genera in the Growli library, most prominently Hibiscus, Abutilon, Tilia. Members share a broadly similar light, water and soil pattern, which is why it pays to learn the family before the individual plant.