Desert Mallow Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral'
ABOUT
Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral', also known as desert mallow, is a perennial plant that bears a striking resemblance in form to a small shrub. This plant is adorned with lobed leaves that are gray-green in color, providing a pleasant and soft-textured visual backdrop. The foliage itself can appear slightly fuzzy, lending a velvety touch to the plant's overall aesthetic. The most eye-catching feature of the desert mallow is its flowers. These blossoms are of a vibrant coral hue, a shade that can be described as a blend between pink and orange, striking enough to catch the eye from a distance. The flowers are cup-shaped and form in clusters along the stems, creating a profusion of color that contrasts beautifully with the subdued tones of the leaves. During the blooming season, the desert mallow becomes a focal point in any garden due to its showy floral display. Its flowers also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the plant's allure and its contribution to the local ecosystem. The overall form of the plant, coupled with its distinctive colored blossoms, makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of warm color to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Desert Mallow, Globe Mallow
Common names
Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral'
ToxicityTo humans
There is limited specific information regarding the toxicity of Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral', commonly known as Desert Mallow, to humans. Generally, Desert Mallows are not known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause adverse reactions upon contact or ingestion. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically meant for consumption to prevent any potential negative health effects.
To pets
There is limited specific information on the toxicity of Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral', commonly known as Desert Mallow, to pets. In general, Desert Mallows are not listed as toxic to pets. However, pets can have individual sensitivities or allergies, and the ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a Desert Mallow plant and is showing symptoms of distress, it's best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Coral
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral', commonly known as the Desert Mallow, is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, helping to pollinate plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal water, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It has a natural resistance to pests and diseases, which means it doesn't require a lot of care to thrive.
- Long Blooming Season: The Desert Mallow offers a long season of bloom, providing colorful interest from spring through summer.
- Heat Resistant: This plant is very tolerant of high temperatures, making it ideal for hot, sunny locations.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for wildlife, such as birds, which may use the plant for nesting or as a food source.
- Ornamental Appeal: With its vibrant coral-colored flowers, it adds a splash of color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The fibers from the Desert mallow can be used in textile production as a source of natural fibers for weaving and creating artisanal fabrics.
- Desert mallow can be used in the creation of natural dyes, with different parts of the plant potentially producing varying shades of color.
- The plant’s distinctive flowers can be incorporated into decorative dry flower arrangements for long-lasting home decor.
- Desert mallow can be used in landscape photography as a subject or backdrop due to its striking coral-colored flowers.
- The stems and branches, when dried, can serve as kindling for campfires due to their high dry mass.
- Children can use the seed pods in craft projects, like making natural jewelry or as components in homemade musical instruments.
- Desert mallow can be planted in wildlife gardens to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
- Petals from the flowers can be used in potpourri mixtures to add a natural fragrance to rooms and drawers.
- The plants can be used in erosion control due to their root structures that help stabilize soil.
- As a natural art material, the flowers and leaves can be pressed and used in botanical prints or paper making.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Desert Mallow is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Desert Mallow is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral', commonly known as Desert Globemallow, often grows in arid conditions, symbolizing the ability to thrive in and adapt to challenging environments.
- Beauty: With its attractive coral flowers, this plant is often associated with the beauty that can be found in harsh landscapes, reminding us to find and appreciate beauty in all places.
- Healing: Some species of Sphaeralcea have been used in traditional medicine, representing healing, restoration, and the nurturing of health.
WaterThe Desert Mallow, commonly known as Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral', prefers deep but infrequent watering to encourage a robust root system. Ideally, it should be watered once every 7 to 10 days, delivering 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant during the growing season. During the winter or dormant period, reduce watering to once every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the dryness of the soil. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be dry an inch below the surface. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
LightThe Desert Mallow thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place it in a location where it can enjoy unobstructed sunlight to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. This plant is well-suited for open landscapes or sunny borders.
TemperatureDesert Mallow grows best in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F, but it can tolerate extremes from just above freezing to over 100°F. However, it is not frost-tolerant, and exposure to temperatures below 32°F can damage or kill the plant. It is ideal for planting in zones where frosts are rare or of short duration.
PruningPrune the Desert Mallow to remove spent flowers and to shape the plant, encouraging bushier growth and more blooms. Light pruning can be done any time during the growing season, but a more thorough pruning should be done in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain plant health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Desert Mallow prefers well-drained soil with a mix of sand, loam, and compost, ideally with a pH range between 6.0 to 8.0, to ensure good drainage and proper nutrient absorption.
RepottingDesert Mallow should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, to provide fresh nutrients and encourage growth.
Humidity & MistingDesert Mallow thrives in low to moderate humidity environments, as it is well-adapted to arid conditions typical of its native habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, limit water, ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, doesn't need much water.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral', commonly known as Desert Mallow, starts its life as a seed, typically requiring well-drained soil and exposure to sunshine to germinate. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a young plant with bright green foliage, and as the plant matures, it develops a woody base with stems that branch out. The Desert Mallow enters a vegetative stage where it produces silver-gray leaves covered with fine hairs that help it conserve moisture. Following the vegetative stage, it blooms in the summer, producing vibrant coral-orange flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After the flowering period, the plant sets seeds that are distributed by wind or animals, completing its reproduction cycle. In its final stage, the Desert Mallow may enter dormancy or die back in colder climates, but it can persist and regrow from its woody base when favorable conditions return.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Sphaeralcea 'Newleaze Coral', commonly known as Desert Mallow, is most effectively propagated by seed. To propagate this plant, sow the seeds in late winter to early spring, in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden if the risk of frost has passed. The germination rate is improved if the seeds are chilled in the refrigerator for about a month before sowing—a process known as stratification. This mirrors the natural conditions the seeds would experience over winter, thus enhancing their chances to sprout in the spring.
