How to Plant Rose Mallows
- 1). Test the soil before planting using a soil test kit. Rose mallow prefers soil that has a pH between 6.8 and 7.7. If your soil does not meet these requirements, you will need to amend the soil to make it more acidic or alkaline.
- 2). Break up the soil removing large chunks of dirt, stones and debris with a pitchfork. Amend with lime if the pH of the soil is below 6.8 or peat moss if the soil pH is above 7.7. Follow the instructions on the package of lime or peat moss to properly amend the soil.
- 3). Using a shovel, dig a hole that measures twice the width of the rose mallow root ball. The height should match that of each root ball. Space holes for rose mallow plants approximately 36 inches apart.
- 4). Remove the rose mallow plants from their nursery containers. Set one plant in the center of each hole. Fill the holes with water from a garden hose and back fill with dirt. Pat the soil around each rose mallow plant to remove any air pockets.
- 5). Water the rose mallow plants when they begin to develop their first set of leaves. Since rose mallow prefers a dry start, the only water initially required is the water administered at the time of planting. Use a soaker hose twice a week once foliage growth begins in order to deliver deep waterings. The soil should be moist to a depth of one inch.
- 6). Spread a 1 to 2-inch layer of bark mulch around the rose mallow plants. Mulching will improve drainage and keep weeds at bay. Mulching also keeps the roots of rose mallow warm in winter and cool in summer.
