Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana 'Mystic Merlin' (French Mallow) is an erect, bushy, biennial or perennial boasting attractive flower spikes adorned with 5-petaled, purple to deep violet flowers with striking darker veins. Blooming from summer to fall, the showy flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), are produced in abundance in the leaf axils. They are visited by many insects, especially bees for pollen. The leaves stand on long hairy footstalks, and are divided into 5-9 shallow lobes. This French Mallow is perfect for cottage or wildflower gardens. Excellent in containers too.