Althaea is a genus of 6–12 species of perennial herbs native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. It includes Althaea officinalis, also known as the marshmallow plant, whence the fluffy confection got its name. They are found on the banks of rivers and in salt marshes, preferring moist, sandy soils.

Althea, also called Hibiscus or Rose of Sharon, is a very decorative shrub. Caring for this plant, from planting to blooming and including watering and pruning, is easy and this will give your althea magnificent flowers. All year round, the shrub must be planted in a soil mix designed for flowering plants, for planting, or any universal soil mix.