Desert Mallow - Sphaeralcea ambigua

Desert Mallow is a showy shrub native to the Southwest. It grows quickly, is drought tolerant, needs no attention, and blooms almost year round.

Glowing tangerine flowers float above fuzzy silver foliage. Multiple stems grow out from the center and can shoot up to 5' tall in a single summer. The blossoms bring bees, butterflies and hummers. The blooms are even great for bouquets.

Globe Mallow makes a great informal hedge, is ideal for wildlife gardens and xeriscaping, and will grow in a container. Perennial in zones 6 to 10, it's tolerant of complete neglect and blooms its head off regardless. Even in cool zones, it will shoot up and bloom in a summer.

Sow the seeds outdoors in fall or cold stratify for four weeks. Full sun, sandy soil, minimal water, and it's gorgeous.

*****30 days of cold stratification required!*****

Soak seeds for 24 hours in warm water.

Surface sow seeds in a pot or a plastic baggie that will fit in the refrigerator.

Mist the soil and sprinkle a small amount of starting soil over seeds.

Cover with plastic wrap or place in baggie in the refrigerator for 30 days.

During this cold stratification process keep soil moist, but not soaking wet.

At the end of the 30 Days, place pot in a warm, sunny location. When soil is warm enough seeds will germinate.

Remove plastic wrap or baggie when you have seedlings.

15 seeds.