56 
MALVA CREEANA. 
Several very showy species of Mallow have recently been introduced to this 
country, of a similar character to that here figured. M. Creeana is certainly infe- 
rior to none of its congeners ; while its fine foliage, luxuriant but not straggling 
habits, and especially its sweet rosy blossoms, entitle it to pre-eminence over at 
least many others. It has appeared in several of the English nurseries, and we 
noticed it first in that of Messrs. Low and Co., Clapton, in 1837 ; since which 
time its character has been much more perfectly developed in the Epsom nursery. 
Further than this, we have nothing to communicate respecting its introduction, as 
this occurrence is yet involved in obscurity. 
Whether grown in a pot in the greenhouse, or planted in the open flower- 
border, it is a most interesting plant ; but when these modes of treatment are 
combined, an extraordinary improvement in its appearance is manifested. If 
retained perpetually in a pot, it exhibits a stunted and unhealthy aspect, and 
seldom thrives vigorously even under the most favourable management. Full 
exposure to the atmosphere, and an unrestricted medium for the extension of the 
roots, are the circumstances in which it appears to delight. Two or three months 
of such indulgence, however, will enable it to endure confinement during the 
remainder of the year without the least injury, and when it is professedly cul- 
tivated as a greenhouse plant, this should always constitute an item in its treatment. 
It would doubtless form a beautiful object if planted in the border of a green- 
house, although its dwarfness precludes such a practice, unless when the house is 
of small dimensions. Placed in the open ground it requires no attention, as it 
will flourish in any loamy soil. Care must be exercised in removing it before the 
occurrence of frosts to a greenhouse or frame, and it will suffer little from having 
its roots cramped through the winter, provided it be again planted out in the early 
part of the succeeding spring. 
Cuttings of this species strike freely with ordinary attention, and seeds vege- 
tate readily when they can be properly matured. 
Our figure was taken from Messrs. Young's nursery, Epsom, in the month of 
August last. It commences flowering about June, and continues for an indefinite 
period, or till checked or destroyed by frost, attaining generally the height of two 
feet. 
An account of the source of the generic name will be found in vol. iv. page 270, 
of this Magazine. 
