How to Grow Sphaeralcea Plants

Guide to Growing Globemallow, False mallow, and Desert Hollyhock

Sphaeralcea plants are half-hardy perennial sub-shrubs that range in height from 45 cm to 1.8 m (18 inches to six feet).

They have lobed leaves, and bloom in the summer with flowers that are reminiscent of hollyhock. The flowers may be orange, red, or purple.

Some of the more common names for Sphaeralcea include Desert Mallow, Desert Hollyhock, Globe Mallow, and Prairie Mallow.

Sphaeralcea coccinea - Scarlet Globemallow by mmmavocado.

How to Grow Sphaeralcea

When growing from seed, it is best to sow members of the Sphaeralcea plant genus, such as Desert mallow and Globemallow, outdoors from ripe seeds in the autumn.

The seeds should be sown at a depth of 7 mm (1/4 inch) into a poor sandy soil. Ideally the soil will have a pH of 5 to 8.

These plants like to grow in sunny location. It should take about two or three weeks for the seeds to germinate.

If attempting to grow in a greenhouse, then supply a temperature of 18 to 21 degrees centigrade (64 to 70°F). Transplant outdoors in spring or autumn.

The spacing of the plants depends on the species: large varieties should be spaced about a metre (40 inches) apart; whereas smaller ones can be spaced from 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) apart.

Caring for Sphaeralcea

It is very easy to look after Desert mallow, Globe Mallow and other Sphaeralcea species as they pretty much take care of themselves. That said, frequent watering will result in larger and healthier plants.

If you require more plants, then they can be propagated by taking cuttings from soft wood in the summer, or by dividing in the autumn.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Sphaeralcea plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Althaea and Malva plants.