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Description
Sphaeralcea Digitata, commonly known as the desert hollyhock or digitata globemallow, is a perennial plant native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and is known for its vibrant orange flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Sphaeralcea |
Appearance
The Sphaeralcea Digitata is a small shrub that grows up to 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It has gray-green leaves that are palmately lobed and covered in fine hairs. The flowers are about 1-2 inches wide, with five petals that are bright orange-red in color. The plant blooms from late spring to early fall, and the flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Care Guide
The Sphaeralcea Digitata is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the Sphaeralcea Digitata in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to thrive, so make sure it is planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sphaeralcea Digitata is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can be removed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by using insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange or brown spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Sphaeralcea Digitata is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in arid and semi-arid regions. It can be found in rocky slopes, canyons, and desert washes.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Sphaeralcea Digitata?
A: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What type of soil is best for the Sphaeralcea Digitata?
A: Plant the Sphaeralcea Digitata in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: What pests and diseases should I watch out for?
A: Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and rust.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Sphaeralcea Digitata?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-10.
Related Plants
- Sphaeralcea ambigua (Desert Mallow)
- Sphaeralcea coccinea (Scarlet Globemallow)
- Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia (Gooseberryleaf Globemallow)
References
- “Sphaeralcea digitata.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin. Accessed 25 August 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SPDI3.
- “Sphaeralcea digitata.” Arizona State University. Accessed 25 August 2021. http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant%20html%20files/sphaeralceadigitata.html.
