About
This bushy perennial or subshrub to 90cm tall with lobed, downy, grey-green leaves. Cup-shaped, lavender flowers with a darker zone at the base are borne from midsummer into autumn.
About the genus
Sphaeralcea may be annuals, perennials, shrubs or sub-shrubs, with downy leaves and stems. Mallow-like flowers, in a wide range of colours, are produced singly or in sprays from summer to autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in sharply-drained, gravel-rich soil in full sun; in colder areas plant in a warm, dry, sheltered position and protect from winter wet
PruningNo pruning generally needed but, if required, trim back top-growth in spring when new growth has started
PropagationPropagate by division as growth begins in spring or root basal cuttings with bottom heat in spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceHollyhock rust may be a problem