Sphaeralcea ambigua (Desert Globemallow)
← Back to Plant DatabaseSphaeralcea ambigua
Desert Globemallow
Characteristics
Height: 3 ft
Width: 2 – 4 ft
Hardiness: Very hardy
Natural Setting: Dry rocky desert scrub and desert woodland throughout California deserts.⁴
Plant Type: Perennial
Dormancy: Evergreen
Form: Rounded, Upright
Growth Rate: Fast
Flower Season: Spring, Winter
Soil: Adaptable but prefers fast draining
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Water Requirements: Low once established but better garden appearance with 2x month water
Summer Dry: No
Cold Tolerance: 15° F
Overview
Easy to grow with vibrant blossoms that persist for months. In warmer regions, with supplemental watering during summer, it frequently blooms nearly continuously throughout the year.⁴
More compact than the cultivar Sphaeralcea ambigua ‘Coral’
Care & Maintenance
Needs minimal water but has a better garden appearance with 2x month water after establishment. Read our watering guide for more guidance.
Prune back to 3-6 inch long stubs after it blooms for fresh, compact growth. Wear gloves when handling because they have silvery hairs on the leaves that could cause irritation if rubbed in eyes.¹¹
Although they are adaptable, they probably would not do well in cool moist conditions (such as the immediate coast) especially if the soil is slow draining.⁴
A shorter lived plant (several years) but grows fast and can reseed if you don’t deadhead it. Its seeds will produce flower colors ranging from bright to deep orange.
Uses
Great planted en masse in a desert themed garden or as a specimen in a dry border.⁴ Works great on slopes and hot, sunny areas. Can be planted in containers.
Wildlife
Great habitat plant - a larval plant for butterflies,¹¹ provides seeds for birds and nectar for insect pollinators.
Ethnobotany
Indigenous people used the roots to make a tea for sore throat.¹¹
Anecdotal Experiences
Generally about 3.5 ft wide and tall, mostly rounded form depending on sun and wind exposure. Rumored to grow up to 5 ft but I’ve never seen it, not even in the wild
Tolerates summer watering better than most sage scrub plants.
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An evergreen, medium sized shrub with soft grey leaves and nearly ever-present blooms. Native to the desert but also does great on the coast.