Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness' (Dwarf Checkerbloom) — Perennial herb

Overview

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

About

Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness' is a perennial herb that bears clusters of pink mallow flowers from June to August. It reaches about 0.8 m tall and forms upright stems topped by open, five-petalled blooms. The cultivar suits a sunny position in soils that are moist but well-drained, including sandy, loamy or clay types. Originating from California and Oregon, it withstands typical UK winters when planted in a well-sited spot.

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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

In the garden

Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness' belongs to the mallow group and originates from the west coast of North America, specifically California and Oregon. It grows to roughly 0.8 m and carries open pink flowers through the summer months, with a reliable display from June to August. The floral habit is typically an upright spike of five-petalled blooms rather than a tight head. Place it in full sun where it will receive unbroken daylight for most of the day; exposure to full sun encourages flowering and sturdier stems. It tolerates a range of soils — sandy, loamy or clay — so long as they remain moist but well-drained; avoid waterlogged hollows. The UK hardiness H7 indicates it is fully hardy and will survive winter conditions across the British Isles; the USDA 5–9 range gives the same picture for milder to temperate gardens. Use Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness' in mid-border positions where its 0.8 m height sits between lower perennials and taller shrubs, or in a sunny herbaceous bed. The summer flowering period makes it useful where extended colour is required between early and late-season perennials. Its upright stems provide vertical interest and pair well with lower-growing textured foliage.

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 'Loveliness' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial herb
Height: 0.8 m
Native to: California, Oregon

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness'

Propagation: Seed, division

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness'?

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

What soil does Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness' need?

Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness' 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 'Loveliness' grow?

Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness' reaches a height of 0.8 m.

Is Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness' hardy in the UK?

Sidalcea malviflora 'Loveliness' 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 'Loveliness'?

Seed, division.

More in the Sidalcea genus

Browse all Sidalcea →