This plant is now thought to be entirely composed of the hybrid between Lavatera thuringiaca which was previously known as Garden Tree-mallow and Lavatera olbia (Hyères Tree Mallow). M. x clementii is often found on waysides and is a fertile although short-lived perennial which grows into a shrub up to 2.5 metres tall. It is easy to root from cuttings.

It has been introduced from Southern Europe into gardens and is found throughout England, can be found in Wales but is very scarce in Scotland and Ireland.