Overview
Sphaeralcea parvifolia is a bushy, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Sphaeralcea, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Sphaeralcea parvifolia 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 parvifolia is a herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Sphaeralcea genus, known for its bushy, columnar upright habit and deciduous foliage. As a member of the Malvaceae family, it features hairy stems and leaves, with flowers that resemble those typical of the mallow family. This cultivar thrives in full sun on sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects, preferring well-drained loam or sandy soils across a range of pH levels. It is hardy to UK zone H4 and is suited to informal gardens, gravel areas, banks, slopes, and wall-side borders, offering seasonal interest in spring and summer.
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 parvifolia 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 parvifolia
- 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 parvifolia?
Sphaeralcea parvifolia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Sphaeralcea parvifolia need?
Sphaeralcea parvifolia grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Sphaeralcea parvifolia hardy in the UK?
Sphaeralcea parvifolia 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 parvifolia?
Seed, Division, Basal cuttings, Softwood cuttings.
More in the Sphaeralcea genus
- Sphaeralceaglobe mallow
- Sphaeralcea incana 'Sourup'
- Sphaeralcea miniata
- Sphaeralcea munroana
- Sphaeralcea munroana 'Manor Nursery' (v)
- Sphaeralcea remota
- Sphaeralcea 'Charmeuse'
- Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Pink'globe mallow 'Newleaze Pink'