About
A bushy perennial to 60cm high, with a woody crown and upright stems bearing triangular, shallowly lobed, downy grey-green leaves. Saucer-shaped orange flowers are produced in summer.
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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, sharply drained, gravelly soil, in a sunny spot with protection from cold winds and winter wet. Flowering is best in hot summers. May also be grown in a cold greenhouse, in a peat-free, loam-based compost with added grit
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division as growth begins in spring, or by basal or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to hollyhock rust