Malacothamnus palmeri, commonly known as Palmer’s Bushmallow, is an evergreen subshrub or shrub native to the chaparral and coastal sage scrub of California, particularly in the Central Coast and Southern California regions. It typically grows to a height of 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). The plant has a rounded form with soft, velvety leaves and produces clusters of showy, pink to lavender flowers in the spring and summer that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Palmer’s Bushmallow is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in dry climates. It is also used for habitat restoration projects and as an ornamental in native plant gardens. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade, especially in hotter inland areas. It is generally low-maintenance, but can be susceptible to fungal diseases in wet conditions. Pruning after flowering can help maintain its shape and promote bushier growth.CC BY-SA 4.0