Sphaeralcea incana ‘Kathy Echols’
Gray Globe Mallow
Description
My favorite prolific bloomer in our dry garden! I love its dense upright 3’-2’ bushy habit, absolutely stunning silvery foliage, and wow, then there are these unusual flowers. Beloved Bay Area horticulturalist Kathy Echols somehow came across this beautiful variant with orchid pink flowers (instead of the usual dull orange) that are larger than normal- 1.25” across. and this marvelous DROUGHT TOLERANT North American native blooms from late Spring through Fall! What more do you need? Deer resistant? Yes! I cut ours back to 1’ tall in late Fall for perfect form next season. Well-drained soil is a must and a smidge of compost side-dress in Spring is not a bad thing. Root hardy to 10 degrees F.
Plant Type
Perennial
Height Range
1-3'
Width Range
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Leaf Color
Silver
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low, Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Fall Color, Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Entry, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Cut Flowers, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Dig-up patches of weeds and undesirable grasses from turf areas.
Use water to grow the turf you want, not the weeds you don't want! Once you have eliminated what you don't want, add sod or over-seed to repair the bare areas.