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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

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:

Check your irrigation controller once a month, and adjust as necessary.

Most plants require only one-third as much water in winter as they do in summer.