SPHAERALCEA ambigua (Desert Globemallow)
SPHAERALCEA ambigua (Desert Globemallow) is a perennial flowering plant native to arid regions of North America. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and is highly valued for its vibrant orange flowers, silver-gray foliage, and its ability to thrive in dry and desert-like conditions. Desert Globemallow is often used in xeriscape gardens, native plant landscapes, or as an ornamental addition to dry, sunny areas.
Desert Globemallow is a small to medium-sized perennial that typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm) and has a spread of about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm). It has a bushy, rounded growth habit with multiple stems arising from a central base. The leaves are gray-green and covered with fine silvery hairs, giving the plant a soft and velvety appearance.
This species thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Desert Globemallow is adapted to desert and arid regions, including dry slopes, sandy or gravelly areas, or rocky hillsides. It is tolerant of drought and is well-suited for xeriscape gardens or landscapes with limited water availability.
The flowers of Sphaeralcea ambigua are the highlight of this plant. They are small, cup-shaped, and range in color from vibrant orange to salmon-pink. The flowers are produced in clusters at the ends of the stems and have a showy, attractive appearance. They bloom from late spring to summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Desert Globemallow is often used in xeriscape gardens, native plant landscapes, or as an ornamental addition to dry, sunny areas. It works well as a border plant, in mass plantings, or as a focal point in garden beds. The vibrant orange flowers and silver-gray foliage add a splash of color and visual interest to the landscape.
Desert Globemallow, with its vibrant orange flowers, silver-gray foliage, and ability to thrive in dry conditions, is a valuable addition to xeriscape gardens, native plant landscapes, or dry, sunny areas. Its adaptability, low-maintenance nature, and drought tolerance make it a desirable choice for those seeking to create water-wise and visually appealing garden spaces in arid regions.
| Number of Seeds | Max Coverage Area (Square Ft.) | |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5OZ | 15,625 | 500 |
| 1OZ | 31,250 | 1,000 |
| 1/4LB | 125,000 | 4,000 |
| 1/2LB | 250,000 | 8,000 |
| 1LB | 500,000 | 16,000 |
| 5LB | 2,500,000 | 80,000 |
Scientific Name: Sphaeralcea Ambigua
Common Name: Desert Globemallow, Desert Mallow
Plant Type: Perennials, Shrubs
Family: Malavaceae
Zone: 6 to 9
Native Range: California, Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada
Full Growth Height: 12-36"
Width in Across: 24-36"
Exposure: Full Sun
Blooming Season: Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Flower Characteristics: Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Pollinators: Butterflies
Flower Color: Mixed
Tolerate: Rocky Soil, Drought, Dry Soil
Water Requirement: Dry
Maintenance: Low
Soil Type: Sand, Loam, Well-Drained, Moist
Soil pH: Neutral, Acid, Alkaline
Uses: Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Wall-Side Borders. Mediterranean Gardens