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California Native Plant

Sphaeralcea ambigua

Apricot Mallow

Plant photo of: Sphaeralcea ambigua
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme Editor        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

Native perennial with relaxed sprawling form. Usually light orange flower but can be white, pink to purple. Starts to look rangy after flowering, cut to 6" for a fresh start. Small, grayish green three lobed leaves. Extremely drought tolerant. Best in full sun, tolerates reflected heat. The most drought tolerant of sphaeralceas and largest. Sometimes can be a hundred stems from a single root to 2'. 3500' & lower can bloom all year Some have allergic reaction to leaves. Full sun. Soil tolerant.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Orange, Pink, White

Flower Season

Spring, Summer, Intermittent

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Grey

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Brown

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, 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, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

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

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.