Overview

Sidalcea malviflora is a perennial herb in the genus Sidalcea, part of the Q156551 family. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Sidalcea malviflora grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to western North America.

About

Sidalcea malviflora is a perennial herb that forms clumps to about 0.8 m and bears clusters of five-petalled pink flowers. It flowers in the UK from June to August. The plant favours full sun and tolerates a range of soils from sandy to clay provided they remain moist but well-drained, and it is H7 (fully hardy) in UK conditions.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Sidalcea malviflora

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

In the garden

Sidalcea malviflora is a perennial herb native to western North America that produces multiple stems topped with clusters of pink, five-petalled flowers. In the UK it reliably flowers from June to August and typically reaches around 0.8 m in height at maturity. Plant it in a sunny spot; the species prefers full sun exposure and performs on sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as they are kept moist but well-drained. Its UK hardiness rating is H7, meaning it is fully hardy through our winters; it also corresponds to USDA zones 5–9 where applicable. Allow space for individual clumps to expand and avoid heavy waterlogging at the roots, especially over winter. Use Sidalcea malviflora as a mid-border perennial where upright flower stems can rise above lower neighbours, or alongside other sun-loving herbaceous perennials that share its moisture needs. Cut back spent flowering stems if you prefer tidier clumps; leaving seedheads in place will encourage wildlife interest. Allow at least 0.8 m of vertical space when siting the plant to accommodate its mature height and summer display.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sidalcea

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Exposure
full sun
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Sidalcea malviflora size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
perennial herb
Height
0.8 m
Native to
western North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sidalcea malviflora

Propagation
seed, division

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sidalcea malviflora?

Sidalcea malviflora prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Sidalcea malviflora need?

Sidalcea malviflora is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Sidalcea malviflora grow?

Sidalcea malviflora reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Sidalcea malviflora hardy in the UK?

Sidalcea malviflora 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 malviflora?

Seed, division.

More in the Sidalcea genus

Browse all Sidalcea