Louis Hamilton Desert Mallow

Carried by 18 nurseries

Estimated plant range Estimated plant range

Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Plant description

Louis Hamilton Desert Mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua 'Louis Hamilton') is an evergreen perennial with gorgeous, glowing red flowers that bloom almost non-stop. This is a fast growing heat-loving perennial with fuzzy gray-green foliage.

This mallow takes little additional water in summer and tolerates almost any soil type, but prefers well-drained soils. It's best to cut it back hard after flowering to encourage fresh growth and a fuller appearance. It works well on slopes and makes an excellent specimen plant for any desert-themed garden, with blooms that attract butterflies and bees..

Plant overview

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

2 - 3 ft Tall
2 - 3 ft Wide

Form

Rounded

Growth rate

Fast

Dormancy

Evergreen

Color

Red

Flowering season

Spring, Summer

Landscaping information

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Low, Very Low

Ease of care

Easy

Cold tolerance

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium, Slow

Soil description

Tolerates a wide variety of soils.

Wildlife supported

Bats

Bees

Caterpillars

Butterflies

Alternative names

Common names:

Louis Hamilton Apricot Mallow

Sources

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Additional references for this page:

Thanks to Moosa Creek Nursery and the Theodore Payne Foundation for sharing information about this plant