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Description
Sphaeralcea Grossulariifolia, commonly known as Gooseberry Leaf Globemallow, is a flowering plant that belongs to the mallow family. It is a small shrub that can reach a height of up to 3 feet and has a spread of 2-3 feet. The leaves are gray-green and resemble those of a gooseberry plant, hence the name. The flowers are orange and bloom from late spring to early summer. The fruit is a small, round capsule that contains seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Sphaeralcea |
Appearance
Gooseberry Leaf Globemallow is a small, bushy plant that has a rounded shape. The leaves are alternate, gray-green, and have a lobed shape. The flowers are orange, cup-shaped, and grow in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit is a small, round capsule that contains seeds. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Care Guide
To care for Gooseberry Leaf Globemallow, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilizer, and sunlight. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate some drought but should be watered regularly during hot, dry periods. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gooseberry Leaf Globemallow is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The plant can also be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet or poorly drained.
Habitat
Gooseberry Leaf Globemallow is native to the western United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, prairies, and mountains. It prefers dry, well-drained soils and can tolerate drought and extreme temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Gooseberry Leaf Globemallow be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I fertilize Gooseberry Leaf Globemallow?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does Gooseberry Leaf Globemallow attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Gooseberry Leaf Globemallow?
A: Gooseberry Leaf Globemallow is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Related Plants
- Sphaeralcea ambigua
- Sphaeralcea coccinea
- Sphaeralcea munroana
- Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SPGR3
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SPGR3
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/sphaeralcea-grossulariifolia-gooseberry-leaf-globemallow
