Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3', 3-6'

 

Flower Color

Orange, Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Grey

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Allergenic, Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

A Mojave Desert native, this perennial has a relaxed sprawling form. It usually has light orange flowers but can be white, pink or red. It starts to look rangy after flowering, so cut to 6 inches above ground for a fresh start. Leaves are small, grayish green and 3 lobed. This is the most drought tolerant of Sphaeralceas and the largest, with up to 100 stems from a single root. Makes a lovely cut flower, though some folks have allergic reaction to the leaves.

Grow in full sun in well drained soil. Will grow in dry, poor, or rocky soil. Desert Globemallow can grow from 2 to 5 feet, depending on conditions. Thrives in hot dry sites. This extremely drought tolerant perennial does best in full sun, even in reflected heat. Like many desert natives, it prefers a gravel mulch.