Common Mallow, or Rags and Tatters, is a medium-sized perennial. The flowers have five heart-shaped petals; they are a purple colour with darker veins. The kidney-shaped leaves are large, toothed, lobed and have long stalks. The plant is slightly hairy.
This good-looking plant grows on roadsides and waste places, often near houses or ruins. It is fairly common in coastal regions of the south, less common inland and rare in the north.
Flowering time is from June to October.
Common Mallow grows in Britain and throughout Europe.