Garden Seeds
Desert Globemallow | Sphaeralcea ambigua
by CaliforniaNativeSeeds.com · United States
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Sphaeralcea ambigua is a species of flowering mallow known by the common names Desert Globemallow and Apricot Mallow. Native to the southwestern U.S., including California, it's especially abundant in desert and chaparral ecosystems. A tough perennial
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wildflower, it thrives in poor soils, rocky slopes, and arid conditions. Sphaeralcea ambigua is a favorite in native plant gardens for its luminous orange to apricot to pink and even lavender blooms that appear in early spring and can continue into summer with a little water. This drought-tolerant stunner is a magnet for native bees and butterflies, and even hummingbirds will drop by for a visit. While deer may nibble in some areas, its fuzzy leaves and desert pedigree tend to discourage heavy browsing. Plants form airy, mounding clumps of soft, gray-green foliage, and require minimal care once established. Great for erosion control, dry slopes, and pollinator gardens. Sow in fall or early winter for best germination. Height: 3–5 feet. Optimum Soil Temperature for Germination: 55°F–70°F Blooming Period: March–June (can bloom longer with irrigation) Germination: 14–30 days (may benefit from light scarification or soaking) Sowing Depth: Surface sow or press in lightly (light aids germination) - germination may be low Packet contains 50 organically grown seeds, untreated, non-GMO.