desert mallow
Sphaeralcea ambigua
USDA zones6 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Orange
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Desert mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) is a perennial for borders, xeriscapes, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. Large apricot-orange flowers open in wand-like clusters on gray, woolly stems. The long bloom season gives bees and butterflies a steady source of pollen and nectar. It is short-lived, but it usually self-seeds.
Pairs well with Ocotillo, Palo brea, Purple top, and Autumn moor grass.
Native range
AZ, CA, NV, and UT.