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Globe mallow — Sphaeralcea ambigua

Native & adapted

Globe mallow

Sphaeralcea ambigua

Long-blooming desert perennial with orange, pink, or lavender flowers and strong heat tolerance.

Sonoran nativePollinatorLow waterCold hardy
Landscape layersUnderstory
Mature size3 ft tall and wide
Climate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b · High desert · USDA 6a–8b
Special categoriesSONORAN DESERT NATIVE · POLLINATOR ATTRACTING

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Cold hardinessHardy here

Hardy to about 10°F, and AMWUA rates it to 5°F. Phoenix cold never bothers it.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 10°F
Heat toleranceTakes full sun and heat

Thrives in full sun, west sides included. It slows down in midsummer heat and drought, and a winter cutback keeps it compact.

Sources: amwua.org, desertmuseum.org

Right plant, right place

Will Globe mallow grow at your Arizona property?

Use the whole site—not only the hardiness zone. Confirm mature width, reflected heat, seasonal shade, drainage, irrigation reach, and cold-air pockets before planting.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b, Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b, High desert · USDA 6a–8b.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Globe mallow thrive

  1. 1

    Confirm the plant’s mature spread and underground conflicts before digging.

  2. 2

    Place the root flare at finished grade and keep mulch away from the trunk.

  3. 3

    Establish a wide, deep root zone instead of irrigating only at the trunk.

  4. 4

    Observe seasonal growth, heat stress, and wildlife use before making major pruning changes.

Keep exploring

More plants for this system