Also known as Checkerbloom · 198 saves
Sidalcea
Sidalcea, the genus most gardeners know as checkerbloom. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Sidalcea varieties
2 species of Sidalcea
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Sidalcea in Sow
Save the Sidalcea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Sidalcea
Whats common across all Sidalcea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Sidalcea year
- DeadheadJuly–September100% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes completely to encourage continued blooming.
- DivideApril and October75% of varieties
Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April75% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems and foliage to the basal mound.
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 💧
- Prune to shape and remove dead stems ✂️
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds 🌱
- Fertilize in early spring with balanced nutrients
- Provide full sun for vigorous flowering
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t forget to deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Avoid planting in dense shade where growth will be leggy
- Don’t use heavy clay soil without amendments
What goes wrong with Sidalcea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if necessary |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippled foliage during warm, dry conditions. | Increase leaf moisture and rinse plants thoroughly with water. |
| Deer browsing | Chewed stem tips and stripped flowers. | Protect young spring growth using cages or deer repellents. |
| Root Rot | Wilting and browning roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Yellowing foliage and decaying plant crowns in stagnant soil. | Ensure planting beds have adequate drainage and avoid soggy clay. |
| Powdery mildew | White dusty spots on leaf surfaces late in the season. | Space plants for proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering. |
Making more Sidalcea
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring and keep moist for 2 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to the strongest plant after germination.
- Transplant seedlings when they are sturdy, about 6 weeks old.
seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, 2 weeks before last frost.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination, which takes about 2-3 weeks.
Sidalcea questions
How many types of Sidalcea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Sidalcea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 198 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Sidalcea grow in?
Across its varieties, Sidalcea covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Sidalcea bloom?
Most Sidalcea varieties bloom in early to mid-summer, mid-summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Sidalcea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.