Sphaeralcea ambigua
Globe Mallow
Description
Native perennial with relaxed sprawling form. Usually light orange flower but can be white, pink to purple. Starts to look rangy after flowering, cut to 6" for a fresh start. Small, greyish-green,3 lobed leaves. Extremely drought tolerant. Best in full sun, tolerates reflected heat. The most drought tolerant of sphaeralceas and largest. Sometimes can be a 100 stems from a single root to 2'. 3500' and lower elevation can bloom all year. Some have allergic reaction to leaves. Soil tolerant.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Orange, Pink, White
Flower Season
Spring, Summer, Intermittent
Leaf Color
Grey Green, Grey
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
Brown
Fruit Season
Summer, Fall
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low, Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees
Design Styles
English Cottage, Meadow, Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Perennial Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
Hummingbirds
Water Saving Tip:
Check your irrigation controller once a month, and adjust as necessary.
Most plants require only one-third as much water in winter as they do in summer.