Globemallow

Scientific Name: Sphaeralcea ambigua

Plant Family: Malvaceae

Native Region: Southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah) and Northwestern Mexico.

Globemallow

Brief Description

A perennial subshrub with fuzzy, gray-green, palmately lobed leaves and apricot to orange cup-shaped flowers. It features multiple woody stems and a hairy texture that helps conserve moisture.

Care Instructions

Extremely low-maintenance. Provide full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering once established; it is highly drought-tolerant and requires very little fertilizer.

Medicinal Value

We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.

Sunlight

Full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight per day).

Watering

Low; water deeply every 2-4 weeks during the first summer. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and usually survives on rainfall alone.

Soil

Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil; tolerates poor soil and alkaline pH levels.

Hardiness Zone

USDA zones 6-10.

Growth Habit

Perennial subshrub; grows in a rounded mound reaching 2-4 feet tall and wide with a moderate growth rate.

Bloom Season

Spring and early summer, though it can bloom sporadically year-round if temperatures are mild. Flowers are cup-shaped, often apricot, orange, or reddish-pink.

Toxicity

Generally non-toxic, but the star-shaped hairs (stellate hairs) on the leaves can be irritating to the eyes and skin of humans and pets.

Propagation

Propagated by seed, which often requires scarification or cold stratification, or by softwood cuttings in early spring.

Common Pests & Issues

Susceptible to hollyhock rust and root rot if soil drainage is poor. Pests include globemallow beetles and spider mites.

Similar Species

Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) which are much larger, and Scarlet Globemallow (Sphaeralcea coccinea) which is lower-growing with more deeply divided leaves.

Interesting Facts

Desert globemallow is a vital source of nectar for desert bees and is also a larval host for several species of butterflies, including the Painted Lady.

Created At: 2026-05-07T18:38:14.185379