Also known as Globe Mallow · 135 saves
Sphaeralcea
Sphaeralcea, the genus most gardeners know as globe mallow. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Sphaeralcea varieties
Track your Sphaeralcea in Sow
Save the Sphaeralcea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Sphaeralcea
Whats common across all Sphaeralcea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Sphaeralcea year
- PruneFebruary100% of varieties
Cut back old woody stems to 4-6 inches in late winter
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged foliage from winter
Do
- Water deeply during dry periods to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- Apply mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Use organic compost to enrich soil annually.
- Monitor regularly for pests and diseases.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot ❌.
- Do not fertilize excessively, as it may cause leggy growth.
- Refrain from pruning in late fall or winter.
- Avoid planting in heavy clay soils without amendments.
What goes wrong with Sphaeralcea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with water or use miticide |
| Root rot | Wilting despite watering, blackened roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply sulfur fungicide or improve air circulation |
Making more Sphaeralcea
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain soil temperature around 65-70°F for germination.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to strongest plants after emergence.
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone powder.
- Plant in well-draining soil or sand.
- Keep soil moist and place in bright, indirect light.
- Roots develop in approximately 6 weeks.
Sphaeralcea questions
How many types of Sphaeralcea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Sphaeralcea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 135 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Sphaeralcea grow in?
Across its varieties, Sphaeralcea covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Sphaeralcea bloom?
Most Sphaeralcea varieties bloom in spring to fall, late spring to summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Sphaeralcea 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.