Plant profile

Desert mallows

Genus Sphaeralcea

Desert mallows (globe mallows) are tough, sun-loving plants in the genus Sphaeralcea that bring warm-colored blooms and easy pollinator value to dry, low-fuss gardens and containers.

Plant Type

Shrubs > Desert mallows

Aliases

Globe mallow

Native Range

Native to parts of western North America (varies by species)

Bloom window

Often blooms over a long season in warm weather

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Desert mallows (Genus Sphaeralcea) are tough, sun-adapted shrubs valued for their resilience and ability to serve as a practical, woody backbone in dry, low-fuss pollinator gardens. They are ideally suited for arid and semi-arid landscapes that require maximum sun and excellent drainage. They offer a long season of warm-colored blooms, providing steady nectar and pollen resources valuable for visiting insects when other forage is scarce.

To ensure success, plant desert mallows in a spot that drains well, as soggy soil is their biggest weakness. Once established, these plants thrive on minimal supplemental watering, fitting well into low-maintenance settings like schoolyards and dry borders.

For a healthy, pollinator-friendly patch, avoid all pesticides. Desert mallows are generally easy to care for; proper initial site selection is the key to letting them provide consistent resources for local wildlife.

Best role for pollinators

Sunny, well-drained spots; low-water gardens; pollinator-friendly beds; large containers

Desert mallows (Sphaeralcea spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/346592429 Photo: (c) Janel Johnson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Globe mallow
Bloom window	Often blooms over a long season in warm weather
Typical height	Varies by species; often low to medium shrub height
Pollinators supported	Bees, Butterflies
Light & moisture	Full sun; best in well-drained soil with light to moderate watering once established
Best roles for pollinators	Sunny, well-drained spots; low-water gardens; pollinator-friendly beds; large containers

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Desert mallows add bright blooms and steady pollinator activity in sunny gardens with minimal fuss.

What they need

Sun, drainage, and a watering routine that doesn’t keep the soil constantly wet.

One best action

Give them a well-drained spot (or a pot with drainage holes) and let the soil dry a bit between waterings.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

Desert mallows make it easier to add pollinator-friendly flowers in hot, sunny places where other plants struggle, especially when you want a low-water, low-fuss option.

Many desert mallow types have soft, slightly silvery leaves that help them cope with bright sun and dry conditions.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

Flowers can provide a dependable food stop for visiting pollinators in sunny garden areas.
Drought-tough plants can help you create a pollinator-friendly space with less watering.
Shrubby growth can add structure and cover in small habitat patches.

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Use these quick clues to recognize desert mallows in the garden.

Leaves

Often soft-textured, sometimes gray-green or silvery; shape varies by species but commonly rounded to slightly lobed.

Flowers

Small, five-petaled, cup-like blooms in warm shades; flowers may appear in clusters along stems.

Fruits

Small, dry seed structures typical of the mallow family; not usually the main feature in gardens.

LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Dry open areas
Sandy or gravelly soils
Sunny slopes and disturbed ground

Where it is often used

Pollinator patch plantings
Dry borders and rock gardens
Sunny foundation beds with good drainage
Large containers with gritty potting mix
Schoolyard habitat gardens where low maintenance matters

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Desert mallows are often at their best when the weather is warm and the sun is strong.

Bloom Season Role: Reliable warm-season color

Seasonal benefits

Helps extend the flowering season in sunny gardens
Pairs well with other drought-tolerant bloomers for continuous color

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Full sun is best for strong growth and better flowering.

Soil type

Well-drained soil is key. Sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils work well; avoid heavy clay that stays wet.

Moisture needs

Water to help establish, then shift to occasional deep watering. Let the soil dry somewhat between waterings.

Planting method

Plant in a sunny spot with room for airflow. In containers, use a fast-draining mix and a pot with drainage holes.

Mulching tips

Use a light layer of gravel or coarse mulch if you mulch at all; avoid thick, wet mulch piled against stems.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil (or a container with drainage holes).
Loosen the soil and mix in grit or coarse sand if drainage is slow.
Plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot.
Water in well, then water again only when the top of the soil has dried.
Leave a little space around the plant so air can move through the stems.

Seasonal care

Water less once established; too much water is a common problem.
Remove spent flowers if you want a tidier look and to encourage more blooms.
Prune lightly to shape after a main bloom period; avoid heavy pruning if the plant is actively pushing new growth.
Check for crowded stems and thin a little if airflow is poor.
In containers, refresh the top layer of mix occasionally and make sure drainage holes stay clear.

What not to do

Planting in soil that stays wet after rain or watering
Watering on a schedule instead of checking the soil
Using pesticides to handle minor leaf damage or insects
Crowding plants tightly together

Pairings

Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom

Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.

Early Bloom

Penstemons
Native spring wildflowers suited to your area

Mid-Season Bloom

Salvias
Yarrows

Late-Season Bloom

Asters
Goldenrods

Because “desert mallow” can refer to several Sphaeralcea species, look for plants labeled with a species name at the nursery if you want a specific size, flower color, or growth habit.

GLOSSARY