Overview
Sidalcea candida is a clump-forming, bushy perennial in the genus Sidalcea, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Sidalcea candida grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildflower garden, naturalized areas and prairie restoration. It is native to Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.
About
Sidalcea candida, commonly called the white checkerbloom, prairie mallow or white checkermallow, is a wildflower found from Nevada to Wyoming and south to the southern part of New Mexico. The plant grows to three feet, and is also known as wild hollyhock.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sidalcea candida
About the genus
Sidalcea is a genus of the botanical family Malvaceae. It contains several species of flowering plants known generally as checkerblooms or checkermallows, or prairie mallows in the United Kingdom. They can be annuals or perennials, some rhizomatous.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sidalcea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sidalcea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sidalcea
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Sidalcea candida size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- wildflower garden, naturalized areas, prairie restoration
- Native to
- Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sidalcea candida
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and moderate moisture; tolerates drought once established.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Rust diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sidalcea candida?
Prefers well-drained soil and moderate moisture; tolerates drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Sidalcea candida?
Sidalcea candida prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Sidalcea candida need?
Sidalcea candida is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, sandy and loamy. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Sidalcea candida?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Sidalcea candida hardy in the UK?
Sidalcea candida has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Sidalcea candida?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Sidalcea genus
- Sidalcea malvifloracheckerbloom
- Sidalcea malviflora 'Elsie Heugh'
- Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness'Dwarf Checkerbloom
- Sidalcea malviflora 'Mrs T. Anderson'Dwarf Checkerbloom
- Sidalcea malviflora 'Oberon'Dwarf Checkerbloom
- Sidalcea malviflora 'Puck'Dwarf Checkerbloom
- Sidalcea malviflora 'Reverend Page Roberts'Dwarf Checkerbloom
- Sidalcea malviflora 'Sussex Beauty'Dwarf Checkerbloom