Malva sylvestris var. mauritiana 'Zebrina' I believe.

just fyi for next time.. there is a NAME THAT PLANT FORUM...

ken

Grief, mallow (from my neighbours) is very clearly going to be the next unwanted intrusion at the allotment. Have been removing seedlings by the thousand...knowing full well that there are hundreds of them lurking in hard to reach places and growing roots to Australia.

Are there any well behaved mallows that won't seed around or spread like crazy?

Um....debateable (ime), although I do love many of them. Possibly sidalcea. I had thought sphaeralcea (various) were winners but nope - they seem to get massive and run everywhere. My most desirable (and mannerly) are the lovely callirhoes, while abutilons are...variable. Also fond of malvaviscus and absolutely adore pavonia (but never manage to keep any). Although somewhat seedy, I am also fond of the white muskmallow - m.moschata alba and the pale pink iliamna. rivularis.