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Description
Sphaeralcea Ambigua, commonly known as Desert Mallow, is an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northwest Mexico. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, and it blooms from late spring to early fall. Sphaeralcea Ambigua is known for its beautiful orange or peach-colored flowers, which attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Sphaeralcea |
| Species | Ambigua |
Appearance
Sphaeralcea Ambigua has soft, velvety leaves that are gray-green in color and roughly triangular in shape. The leaves are 1-3 inches long and have toothed edges. The flowers of Sphaeralcea Ambigua are cup-shaped and measure 1-2 inches in diameter. They are typically orange or peach in color, but can also be pink, red, or white. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the top of the plant, and they bloom from late spring to early fall.
Care Guide
Sphaeralcea Ambigua is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your Desert Mallow healthy and thriving:- Water: Sphaeralcea Ambigua is drought-tolerant and can survive on little water. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during hot, dry periods.- Fertilization: Sphaeralcea Ambigua does not require fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth and blooming.- Soil: Sphaeralcea Ambigua prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or rocky. It can tolerate alkaline soil.- Sunlight: Sphaeralcea Ambigua thrives in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Sphaeralcea Ambigua is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sphaeralcea Ambigua is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
Sphaeralcea Ambigua is native to the southwestern United States and northwest Mexico. It is commonly found in desert areas, rocky slopes, and dry washes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Sphaeralcea Ambigua grow in containers?
A: Yes, Sphaeralcea Ambigua can grow in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.Q: How often should I water my Sphaeralcea Ambigua?
A: Sphaeralcea Ambigua is drought-tolerant and can survive on little water. However, you should water deeply during hot, dry periods.Q: How do I propagate Sphaeralcea Ambigua?
A: You can propagate Sphaeralcea Ambigua by taking stem cuttings in the spring or fall. Simply remove a 6-inch stem from the parent plant, strip off the lower leaves, and plant the cutting in well-draining soil.Q: How long does Sphaeralcea Ambigua bloom?
A: Sphaeralcea Ambigua blooms from late spring to early fall.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants that are related to Sphaeralcea Ambigua:- Sphaeralcea coccinea- Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia- Sphaeralcea incana- Sphaeralcea munroana- Sphaeralcea parvifolia
References
– “Sphaeralcea ambigua.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 29 August 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SPAM.- “Sphaeralcea ambigua.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 29 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278215&isprofile=0&.- “Desert Mallow.” Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Accessed 29 August 2021. https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Desert%20Mallow.php.
