Malope trifida, commonly known as Mallow-Wort, is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region, favoring sunny locations with well-drained soils. It typically grows to a height of 3 feet (0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Malope trifida has a bushy habit with triangular, lobed leaves and stems that can be either upright or sprawling. The plant is particularly noted for its vibrant flowers, which bloom in summer and fall, presenting a showy display of colors including green, pink, purple, red, and white. The flowers are large, with a hibiscus-like appearance, making them quite attractive in garden settings.

Mallow-Wort is valued for its ease of growth and the bright splash of color it brings to gardens. It is often used as an ornamental plant in borders, cottage gardens, and as a filler in annual bedding schemes. It thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, preferring soils with good drainage. While it is not particularly demanding, it does benefit from regular deadheading to encourage prolonged flowering. There are no widely recognized cultivars of Malope trifida, but its natural form is sufficiently ornamental to be popular among gardeners. Potential problems include susceptibility to rust and other fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions. It is not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0