Sidalcea

( sye - DAL - see - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering perennials needs full sun and regular water. They are grown for their beautiful, wide-petaled flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. They are commonly called Checkerblooms, Checkermallows, or Prairie Mallows. Most species are native to western and central North America. Flowers are typically shades of white, pink and purple. 

Sidalcea Species and Varietals

The Sidalcea genus includes approximately 25 species of flowering plants, and is a member of the plant family Malvaceae. Checkerbloom grows best in zones 2-10 and 14-24, though this can vary somewhat depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Sidalcea calycosa (Annual Checkerbloom, Checker Mallow, Vernal Pool Checkerbloom)
This species is endemic to California, where it grows along the northern coastline and adjacent mountain ranges south towards the San Francisco Bay Area. These plants prefer wetland habitats, and reach between 1 and 3 feet tall when in bloom. Green leaves are narrowly divided, and flowers are pink, purple, or white, blooming from April through September.

Sidalcea candida (White Checkerbloom, Pairie Mallow, White Checkermallow, Wild Hollyhock)
This High Plains native reaches 2-3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, spreading by rhizomes. Leaves are bluish-green and flowers are white, forming in spikes in mid- to late summertime (typically between June and September).

Sidalcea Hybrids
Members of this group of Checkerbloom are grown commonly in gardens, and are hybrids between Sidalcea candida and Sidalcea malviflora. They reach about 2 feet wide and can bloom all summer if deadheaded. Choice selections include 'Brilliant' (with carmine flowers), 'Party Girl' (reaches 2-3 feet tall with deep pink flowers), 'Elsie Heugh', 'Oberon', William Smith' and 'Rosanna' (also 2-3 feet tall, with rose-colored flowers).

Sidalcea malviflora (Checkerbloom, Greek Mallow, Pairie Mallow, Dwarf Checkermallow)
This species grows best in zones 2-9 and 14-24 and is native to Oregon, California, and Baja California. Reaches 2 feet tall and just as wide, and has a sprawling habit. Early springtime flowers are purple-pink and attract butterflies. This species needs moderate water for best performance.

Sidalcea neomexicana (Salt Spring Checkerbloom, Rocky Mountain Checker-Mallow, New Mexico Checker)
Best in zones 2, 3, 10-13 and 18-24, this species is native from eastern Oregon through Wyoming and south through Mexico. It grows to 3 feet high and about half as wide, with spikes of white to pinkish-white flowers that bloom in summertime.

Caring for Sidalcea

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Sidalcea
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 603, Sidalcea
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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