Desert Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)

Desert globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua), also known as apricot mallow, is a perennial shrub with fuzzy, whitish-green leaves and bowl-shaped orange flowers that put on a stunning display in full bloom. A member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), it thrives in creosote bush scrub and desert chaparral habitats across parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Sonora, and Baja California. This drought-adapted plant grows well in both sandy and clay alkaline soils. It can be cut back in the fall to maintain a compact shape. There are three varieties, including Sphaeralcea ambigua var. rosacea, which features lavender-colored flowers. Desert globemallow is an excellent butterfly plant and a great addition to desert landscapes. Description from Calscape.

Grower: Nature's Seed

Other Names Used: Apricot Mallow, Deserthollyhock

Family: Malvaceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Sun Exposure: Full

Bloom Period: Winter, Spring (February to March)

Bloom Color(s): Orange, Red, Pink, Lavender

Plant Height: 3-5 feet tall

Plant Width: 2-4 feet wide

California Regions:

• Southern California Inland
• Desert

Ecological Benefits:

• Drought Tolerant
  
• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife, bats
  

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers
• Hedge
• Living Fence

Habitat Type:

• Creosote Bush Scrub
  
• Yellow Pine Forest
• Pinyon-Juniper Woodland
• Joshua Tree Woodland

Human Uses/Cautions: Medicinal

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None