Desert Globemallow

(Sphaeralcea ambigua)

Desert Globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua)

Sue in az

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Image By: Sue in az

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Sue in az | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Sue in az~commonswiki | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Desert-Globemalllow.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description ={{en|1=Tree fern {{w|Cyathea cooperi}} in [[:Category:Monte Palace Tropical Garden|Monte Palace Tropical Garden]] in the city {{w|Funchal}}, [[:en:Madeira|Madeira]]}} {{cs|1=tromová kapradina {{w|sphaeropteris cooperi||c... |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Sphaeralcea ambigua, commonly known as Desert Globemallow, is a semi-evergreen perennial subshrub or herb native to arid desert regions and scrublands in the Southwestern USA, including areas of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Northwest Mexico. It typically grows to 3 feet (0.91 m) in height and spreads to 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 m) in width. Desert Globemallow has a sprawling form with fuzzy, gray-green leaves and produces bowl-shaped, five-petaled flowers that are apricot to orange in color, blooming profusely in the spring and sporadically throughout the growing season. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Desert Globemallow is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, desert gardens, and naturalistic landscapes. It is also used in habitat restoration projects within its native range. This plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Desert Globemallow can reseed itself and may spread in the garden, but it is not typically aggressive.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Orange
Flowering Season: Spring, Fall
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to arid desert regions and scrublands in the Southwestern USA, including areas of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Northwest Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Apricot Globe-Mallow, Apricot Mallow, Desert Globe-Mallow, Desert Mallow, Apricot Globemallow

Scientific Names: , Sphaeralcea ambigua, Sphaeralcea ambigua var. ambigua, Sphaeralcea ambigua subsp. ambigua, Sphaeralcea ambigua var. monticola, Sphaeralcea ambigua subsp. monticola, Sphaeralcea ambigua var. pulchella, Sphaeralcea ambigua var. keckii, Sphaeralcea macdougalii, Sphaeralcea purpurea

GBIF Accepted Name: Sphaeralcea ambigua A.Gray