Also known as Checkerbloom · 192 saves
Sidalcea
Sidalcea, the genus most gardeners know as checkerbloom. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Sidalcea varieties
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 3 most-grown of them.
The Sidalcea year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
- DeadheadJune–August100% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes completely to encourage continued blooming.
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% 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 speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicide or improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting and browning roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of roots | Ensure soil drains well and reduce watering |
Making more Sidalcea
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.
cuttings
- Select healthy, non-flowering stems in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Maintain high humidity and keep in indirect light for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Sidalcea questions
How many types of Sidalcea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Sidalcea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 192 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.