Overview

Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Sidalcea, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.

About

Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' is a bushy, deciduous herbaceous perennial cultivar of the genus Sidalcea, known as prairie mallows in the UK. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre and spreads between 0.1 and 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring west- or south-facing, sheltered sites with moist but well-drained soil, including chalk, loam, or sand of varying pH. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is well suited to cottage gardens, wildlife areas, and flower borders, offering seasonal interest in both summer and winter.

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 4.0Sidalcea

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sidalcea

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh'

Propagation
Seed, Division in spring
Pest resistance
Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance
Rust diseases

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh'?

Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' need?

Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' grow?

Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' hardy in the UK?

Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Sidalcea 'Elsie Heugh'?

Seed, Division in spring.

More in the Sidalcea genus

Browse all Sidalcea