Sphaeralcea ambigua
Apricot Mallow
Description
This native perennial has a relaxed sprawling form. It usually has light orange flowers but can be white, pink or purple. It starts to look rangy after flowering, so cut to 6" above ground for a fresh start. Leaves are small, grayish green, and 3 lobed. This extremely drought and soil tolerant shrub does best in full sun, even in reflected heat. This is the most drought tolerant of Sphaeralceas and the largest, with up to 100 stems from a single root. Some folks have allergic reaction to the leaves.
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
Allergenic, 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, Naturalizing, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
Hummingbirds
Water Saving Tip:
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.