Sphaeralcea caespitosa

Mallow Family (Malvaceae)

This elegant little globemallow is restricted in nature to the dry limestone desert country of the southeastern Great Basin, but it has proven remarkably adaptable in a garden setting. As long as the soil is well-drained and the plant is not overwatered, it can thrive in a variety of different soils. It makes a terrific rock garden plant and looks very pretty planted with other diminutive desert plants, for example, fiesta buckwheat, sundancer daisy, and Utah ladyfinger milkvetch. It is quite different in its effect from its larger, more rambunctious relatives, featuring rather large flowers that are tucked down amongst the beautiful scalloped, silver-green leaves. It can readily cross with other globemallows, however, so do not plant them nearby, especially if you want to save seeds or allow volunteering from seed.