What they do
Provide bright, accessible flowers that can support a variety of pollinators through the warm season.
Plant profile
Globe mallows
Genus Sphaeralcea (some spp.)
Globe mallows are sunny, drought-tough wildflowers in the genus Sphaeralcea (some species) that can bloom for a long stretch and offer easy-to-find flowers for many pollinators.
Plant Type
Wildflowers (annuals/biennials) > Globe mallows
Aliases
Globe mallow
Native Range
Varies by species within Sphaeralcea; many are native to parts of North America
Bloom window
Warm-season bloom; often from early summer into fall when conditions are right
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Globe mallows (Genus Sphaeralcea spp.) are tough, sun-loving wildflowers that provide critical, long-season forage, especially in xeriscape and naturalized plantings. Their open, cheerful flowers offer accessible nectar and pollen for a wide array of pollinators, often continuing to bloom through warm months when other plants fade. They function as a dependable, ground-level resource for consistent color and habitat support in dry, sunny areas.
These mallows thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a low-fuss, resilient choice where many garden plants struggle. Once established, they require minimal maintenance. To maximize their benefit, plant them alongside species that bloom earlier in the spring to ensure continuous forage, and always skip pesticides, as healthy, diverse plantings can handle minor insect activity.
Best role for pollinators
Sunny, low-water gardens, schoolyard pollinator patches, and containers with good drainage
FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Globe mallow |
| Bloom window | Warm-season bloom; often from early summer into fall when conditions are right |
| Typical height | Low to medium height, depending on the species and growing conditions |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Butterflies |
| Light & moisture | Full sun; low to moderate moisture once established |
| Best roles for pollinators | Sunny, low-water gardens, schoolyard pollinator patches, and containers with good drainage |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
Sun, well-drained soil, and a light hand with watering and fertilizer.
One best action
Give them a sunny spot with fast-draining soil and water only when the top soil has dried.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Globe mallows are a practical way to add long-lasting warm-season blooms in sunny spaces, helping make pollinator-friendly planting feel doable even in small gardens or containers.
Many globe mallows have softly fuzzy leaves and stems, which can help the plant cope with dry, sunny conditions.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- Adds reliable warm-season blooms when many gardens start to fade
- Works in small spaces—one pot can still help
- Encourages pesticide-free gardening by thriving with simple care
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Look for a sun-loving plant with soft-looking foliage and small, rounded blooms that pop against the leaves.
Leaves
Often soft-textured and sometimes fuzzy; shape varies by species but commonly rounded to slightly lobed.
Flowers
Small, open, cup-shaped blooms with five petals; commonly warm colors like orange, coral, or pink.
Fruits
Small, dry seed structures typical of the mallow family; may look like little rounded segments as they mature.
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Open, sunny areas
- Dry meadows and slopes
- Disturbed ground with good drainage
Where it is often used
- Pollinator patch or school garden bed
- Sunny border or rock-garden style planting
- Container planting (use a pot with drainage holes)
- Low-water, low-fuss color in open areas
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Globe mallows are often at their best in the warm part of the year, especially in bright sun.
Bloom Season Role: Long-blooming color in sunny spots
Seasonal benefits
- Keeps nectar and pollen available later into the season
- Pairs well with other sun-loving wildflowers for a longer bloom sequence
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Choose the sunniest spot you have for best flowering.
Soil type
Well-drained soil is key. If your soil stays wet, use a raised bed or a container with drainage.
Moisture needs
Water to help seedlings get started, then let the soil dry a bit between waterings. Avoid keeping the plant constantly damp.
Planting method
Direct-sow after the risk of frost has passed, or start in small pots and transplant gently. Give plants space for airflow.
Mulching tips
Use a light mulch if needed, but keep it pulled back from the stem so the base stays dry.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Pick a full-sun spot with well-drained soil (or use a pot with drainage holes).
- Loosen the soil and remove weeds so seedlings don’t have to compete.
- Sow seeds lightly and press them into the soil; keep the surface slightly moist until they sprout.
- Thin or space plants so air can move between them.
- After plants are established, water deeply but less often, letting the soil dry between waterings.
Seasonal care
- Deadhead (snip off spent blooms) to encourage more flowering, or leave some to set seed if you want volunteers.
- Weed early so young plants aren’t crowded out.
- Avoid heavy feeding; if growth looks weak, use a small amount of compost rather than strong fertilizer.
- Check pots more often—containers dry out faster, but don’t keep them constantly wet.
What not to do
- Planting in shade and wondering why it barely blooms
- Watering on a schedule even when the soil is still wet
- Using lots of fertilizer to “help it grow”
- Letting weeds crowd young plants
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Early-blooming native wildflowers (local options)
- Spring bulbs in nearby beds (not in the same pot)
Mid-Season Bloom
- Other sun-loving annual wildflowers
- Low-growing herbs that like dry soil (in separate sections)
Late-Season Bloom
- Late-blooming wildflowers (local options)
- Seed-head plants that add fall interest
Because “globe mallow” can refer to different Sphaeralcea species, look for seed or plant labels that match your local native-plant sources when possible.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few quick terms you might see on plant tags or seed packets:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.