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Desert Globe Mallow

Sphaeralcea ambigua

In stock

1 gallon; 2-3 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun; Reflected Heat

3’x3’

Fast

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Mostly orange, but also White, Pink, Red and Lavender

Spring-Summer

After flowering to promote growth

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Yes

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Rabbit resistant:

This native perennial has a relaxed, sprawling form that mixes well with other desert plants. Although a light orange flower color is the most common, other colors are possible, ranging from pink to red to white to lavender. Globe mallow may start to look rangy after flowering, and can be cut back to about six inches tall in the early fall. The small, grayish-green, three lobed leaves are covered with tiny hairs that can be irritating to some people. Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves when pruning this plant! Globe mallow is extremely drought tolerant.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.