Globemallow

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 1-3 feet
Spread: 1-2 feet
Flower Color: shades of orange, red, pink, or yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Globemallow (Sphaeralcea spp.) – A Colorful, Drought-Tolerant Choice for Desert Landscapes

Globemallow, belonging to the genus Sphaeralcea, is a group of hardy, flowering perennials native to the arid and semi-arid regions of North America, especially the southwestern United States. Known for its vibrant flowers and resilience in harsh desert environments, Globemallow is a popular choice for desert landscaping and xeriscaping in regions like Arizona.

Key Features of Globemallow

1. Colorful, Showy Blooms One of the standout characteristics of Globemallow is its vibrant flowers. Blooming in spring and early summer, the cup-shaped flowers come in striking shades of orange, red, pink, and sometimes yellow, depending on the species. These vivid blooms contrast beautifully with the plant’s gray-green, lobed foliage, creating a stunning visual display in any landscape. The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding ecological value to the garden.

2. Attractive Foliage and Form Globemallow plants have a sprawling, bushy growth habit, typically reaching 1 to 3 feet in height and spread. Their dense, gray-green leaves add a soft texture to the landscape, complementing the brighter flowers and creating a natural, desert-like aesthetic. This makes them ideal for rock gardens, naturalistic plantings, and as accent plants in borders or xeriscape gardens.

3. Drought-Tolerance and Low Maintenance Adapted to desert environments, Globemallow is highly drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in full sun and can handle dry, poor soil conditions, including sandy and rocky soils. Its low water requirements make it a sustainable choice for water-wise gardens, helping conserve resources while adding color and life to arid landscapes.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: Requires full sun for the most vibrant blooms and healthiest growth.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils; thrives in nutrient-poor conditions.
• Watering: Extremely drought-tolerant; requires minimal watering once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping.

Landscape Uses

Globemallow is versatile in desert landscaping and is often used in rock gardens, along pathways, or as a naturalistic accent in larger plantings. Its sprawling form, vibrant blooms, and ability to attract pollinators make it a valuable addition to eco-friendly gardens, adding both beauty and ecological benefits. It also pairs well with other native desert plants, such as cacti and succulents.

Cultural and Medicinal Uses

Historically, some species of Globemallow have been used by indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes, including as treatments for wounds and sore throats. These traditional uses highlight the plant’s significance in arid-region cultures.

Summary

Globemallow is a resilient, colorful addition to Arizona landscapes, providing vibrant flowers, low maintenance, and drought tolerance. Its ability to thrive in hot, dry climates and its attractiveness to pollinators make it an excellent choice for sustainable landscaping in desert regions. Perfect for rock gardens, borders, and naturalistic plantings, Globemallow brings life and color to outdoor spaces with minimal water usage.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Globemallow

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Globemallow is a low-maintenance shrub that requires no staking and grows with delicate, orange or red flowers

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Globemallow is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks