Desert Mallow : The Power of Plants

Plant of the Month – February 2014

Desert Mallow Sphaeralcea ambigua Plant Form: Evergreen Perennial/Subshrub Water Use: Very Low Mature Size: 3’ tall x 3-4’ wide Exposure: Full Sun Bloom Time: Spring, Summer, Fall (February – November) Native to: Deserts of southwest U.S. from California to Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, and into Mexico (below 7,500 feet) Hardiness: Cold hardy to -10°F Desert Mallow is an easy-to-grow perennial with a relaxed form, even sprawling under the weight of stalks and flowers when in late bloom. This […]

Filed under Plant of the Month · Tagged with California native plants, California water-wise gardening, Desert Mallow, Drought-tolerant plants, fall colors, gardening with desert plants, gardening with native plants, Heat-loving plants, Heat-tolerant plants, low water usage plants, southwest desert landscaping, southwest native plants, Sphaeralcea ambigua, using native plants in landscaping, Very low water use, Water-wise landscaping, Xeriscape plants

I am amazed every day at how much happens on our half-acre of High Desert property. Whether we are simply looking out the window at our bird feeders, working in our yard, or sitting on our deck watching the sunset, my husband and I get the biggest kick out of seeing the dynamics unfolding between our resident covey of a hundred quail, dozens of songbirds, rabbits, antelope ground squirrels, lizards, friendly snakes, occasional coyotes, bobcat, fox, and even hungry hawks.

It’s hard to believe how much activity can be packed into such a small yard when it has various levels of “living spaces,” simulating a multi-story hotel, creating homes galore in ground covers, branches, and canopies of plants. Added to the backdrop of a seasonal procession of color from flowering plants, fruiting shrubs and trees, the happenings in our yard provide continual cause for delight, surprise, inspiration, and celebration.

I hope you enjoy following the fascinating cycle of life that plays out in a yard dedicated to wildlife, water-wise native plants, and other delights of a hopeless plant lover.

Robin Kobaly's Soil Demo

You're Invited!

Join us on a captivating adventure into the world of plants and their impressive uses. Experience the plants growing in your area’s natural community as you never have before…through taste, smell, touch, herbal remedies, landscape, stories and even art.

Find food, medicine, home décor and garden landscaping in the plants native to the southwestern United States, and learn how to prepare them yourself during our hands-on workshops.

Have Fun Learning about Native Plants!

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About the Power of Plants
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