Sphaeralcea ambigua
Apricot Mallow
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:
As the weather gets hotter avoid the temptation to increase run times.
Instead, schedule more start times with one to two hours in between to allow the water from the previous session to soak in before watering again.