Description

The globemallows occur in the southern deserts of California and into the Southwest. They adapt quite well to more moderate climates and put on quite a show of flowers in the spring and then sparsely through the summer. They are excellent candidates for a sunny, well-draining site with infrequent water. In their native range monsoonal summer moisture is common, so the Sphaeralcea are not sensitive to occasional summer water. The ‘Louis Hamilton’ selection shows off unusual red-pink flowers (described by some as the color of grenadine) against gray foliage. The only disadvantage of this species is that it wanders via underground rhizomes and will disappear from its original site. Pruning a third of the plants diameter in late winter improves appearance.