Sphaeralcea

( sfeer - RAL - see - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of flowering perennials needs full sun and little water, making them great candidates for water-wise gardens. They are commonly called Globe Mallows or False Mallows, and the flowers will attract butterflies to your yard. Flowers are shaped like mini-hollyhocks, and provide color for accents in borders in hot, dry spots in the garden. These plants are woody at the base, and herbaceous above. Use Globe Mallow to add color to mixed beds and borders, in containers, or as additions to cottage, informal, pollinator, or native gardens.

Sphaeralcea Species and Varietals

Spaheralcea is a genus in the plant family Malvaceae and includes between 40 and 60 species. The genus name is derived from the Greek words 'sphaira' (meaning sphere) and 'alkea' (meaning mallow). Globe Mallow growing zones vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Sphaeralcea ambigua (Apricot Mallow, Desert Globemallow)
This species grows well in zones 3 and 7-24, and is native to Utah, Arizona, Mexico, Nevada, and California. It reaches 3-4 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, with hairy stems. Leaves are grey-green and flowers are pink to orange, though white-flowering forms are available as well. Flowers bloom in summer or fall. This species is best in desert-like climates, and does not like winter wet periods. Varieties include 'Louis Hamilton' (with deep orange-red flowers) and 'Papago Pink' (with pink blooms).

Spaheralcea angustifolia (Copper Globemallow, Narrow-Leaved Globemallow)
These plants are native to the southwestern United States and northern to central Mexico. They prefer desert and plateau habitats, and produce many erect stems. Plants reach just under 10 feet tall when in bloom, and have light grey-green foliage. Flowers are orange with yellow anthers.

Sphaeralcea coccinea (Scarlet Globemallow, Scarlet Mallow, Cowboy's Delight, Prairie Mallow, Red False Mallow)
These plants reach between 4 and 12 inches tall when in bloom, and have grayish-green stems and foliage. Flowers are reddish-orange and saucer-shaped. Flowers bloom from May through the end of summer (sometimes into fall in warmer regions). These are great groundcover plants for erosion prevention, and will spread quickly over a wide area to create more stability in the soil.

Sphaeralcea munroana (Munro's Globemallow, Munro's Desert-Mallow)
This species of Globe Mallow grows well in zones 1-3, 7-10 and 14-24, and is native to the western United State's mountain foothills. Reaching 3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide, this plant has upright stems and grey-green leaves. Salmon to apricot-colored flowers are borne on 'wands' in the middle of summer and early fall.

Sphaeralcea parvifolia (Small-Leaved Globe-Mallow, Small Leaf Globemallow)
This species is native to the western United States and is commonly used as an ornamental in wildflower, dry, and pollinator gardens. Plants typically reach between 6 and 16 inches tall (at the maximum over three feet). Stems are covered in white to yellow hairs. Flowers are orange and borne on upright spikes.

Caring for Sphaeralcea

These plants need well-draining soil and extra water can cause issues like weediness and rusting foliage. Old stems can be cut back almost to the ground before spring growth begins to clean up the look of this somewhat wild plant.

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: Sphaeralcea
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 609, Sphaeralcea
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