Botanical Name: Malva sylvestris 'Mystic Merlin'

Zone: 3-8

Soil: Moist, well drained.

Exposure: Full sun or part shade.

Bloom Time and Color: Dark blue or dark purple blooms in early summer to early fall.

Description: A magical back of the border plant with many large, silky blooms in shades from rich purple, through mauve, to the highly unusual and elusive blues. The blooms are 2 inches across, many lightly striped with a darker shade. They may remind you of old-fashioned single Hollyhocks, but instead of growing up a stalk, they arise all over a very dense bushy, attractive shrub 4-5 feet tall and about 2 feet wide. Ideal for the back of the border yet handsome enough to stand alone as a specimen, this plant also makes a fine hedge or foundation planting. Long blooming.