Photo of Sphaeralcea ambigua flower, form by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Sphaeralcea ambigua

Also Known As

  • Apricot Mallow
  • Desert Globemallow

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 3'-5'
  • W: 2'-4'

planting zones

  • 9b-11

More Options

Sphaeralcea ambigua plant details

Sphaeralcea ambigua is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with blue foliage. In spring orange flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in alkaline, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Sphaeralcea ambigua

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: malvaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: orange blooms in spring
Uses: hell strip, rock garden, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Sphaeralcea ambigua

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: alkaline, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Full Sun. Outdoor. Orange Flowers.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Gardening facts about Sphaeralcea ambigua plant

How to Grow Sphaeralcea ambigua

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • orange
  • Wildlife

    • bees
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Sphaeralcea for your garden

aka Rose Desert Mallow,

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 4'

Width: 4'

  • sun
  • low
Photo of Sphaeralcea ambigua var. rosacea form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Copper Globemallow

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8a-11

Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 3'-6'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Sphaeralcea angustifolia form by Stan Shebs
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aka Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia subsp. pedata, Berry-leaf Globemallow, Currentleaf Globemallow, Falsemallows, Gooseberryleaf Globemallow

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-8b

Size

Height: 24"-36"

Width: 18"-24"

  • sun
  • low
Photo of Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

aka Malvastrum coccineum, Prairie Mallow, Red False Mallow, Scarlet Globe Mallow

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 2'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Sphaeralcea coccinea flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - dappled shade
Photo of Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral' flower, foliage, form by peganum
View Plant

More Options

+10 more Sphaeralcea
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