Description
Form: Herbaceous stems growing from a woody base (subshrub).
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Rapid.
Mature Size: 3' (90cm) high and as wide.
Flowers: Orange, red, pink, or white, five petals in a cup shape, many short stamens in the center.
Bloom: This plant blooms spring through fall in regions with freezes. In frost-free regions, most heavily in the spring, then sporadically the rest of the year.
Fruit: A seed capsule.
Leaves: Green to silver-green, hairy, scalloped wavy edges, deeply lobed, often with three lobes, variable.
Stems: Stiff, upright to leaning, hairy.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees. This plant hosts caterpillars of many butterfly species. The foliage is browsed by mammals when irrigated.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 6-10.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Well draining, dry, low in organic content, pH 6.6-8.5 (neutral to alkaline).
Water after becoming established: Rainfall is usually sufficient. Once a month during drought. Supplemental water improves blooming.
Prune: Cut back to 6" (15cm) high, in early fall in frost-free regions, or after the last winter freeze.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed. This plant may reseed.
Uses: Ornamental, low water (xeriscape) garden.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Mallow family (Malvaceae). Several commercial varieties are available.

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