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.
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
Apply as little fertilizer as possible.
If you use fertilizer make sure it stays on the landscape, and carefully water it in so there is NO runoff.