Overview
Sphaeralcea is a bushy, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Sphaeralcea, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Sphaeralcea grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, banks and slopes and wall side borders.
About
Sphaeralcea is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae). There are about 40-60 species, including annuals, perennials, and shrubs.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sphaeralcea
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Sphaeralcea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Banks and slopes, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sphaeralcea
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Basal cuttings, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to hollyhock rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Sphaeralcea?
Sphaeralcea prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Sphaeralcea need?
Sphaeralcea grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Sphaeralcea hardy in the UK?
Sphaeralcea has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Sphaeralcea?
Seed, Division, Basal cuttings, Softwood cuttings.
More in the Sphaeralcea genus
- Sphaeralcea incana 'Sourup'
- Sphaeralcea miniata
- Sphaeralcea munroana
- Sphaeralcea munroana 'Manor Nursery' (v)
- Sphaeralcea parvifolia
- Sphaeralcea remota
- Sphaeralcea 'Charmeuse'
- Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Pink'globe mallow 'Newleaze Pink'