Description

The chaparral mallow occurs in two populations, one in the SF Bay Area, the other in the coastal mountains from Santa Barbara County into Baja, Mexico. Currently there are four recognized varieties, but this is a highly variable plant so the distinctions are likely to change. The ‘Casitas’ selection is the nuttallii variety which grows in the Transverse Ranges. As the name implies, this selection was taken near Lake Casitas. It grows as an expanding thicket of branched upright stems with mint green foliage. The leaves of ‘Casitas’ are relatively large and flat for the species. Against this backdrop, a profusion of carnation-pink blooms appears in the spring. Sporadic light blooms appear through the summer and fall. Abundant seed follows, adding yet another characteristic that makes this an excellent plant for promoting birds. The chaparral mallow spreads quite widely via rhizomes under favorable conditions. In a local garden the ‘Casitas’ selection has grown quite vibrantly to about 6 feet tall and is spreading in all directions. The rhizomes can be dug out easily and will not immediately come back once removed. Try this lovely mallow in a sunny site where it has room to spread.