Sidalcea

These summer-flowering perennials are natives of North America. They range in height from 2 to 4 feet. S. malviflora, commonly known as Checkerbloom or Prairie Mallow, is a beautiful plant that forms mostly basal clumps of bright green foliage. The leaves are divided into 7 to 9 rounded lobes. In the summer, terminal racemes of bowl-shaped flowers are produced. Their silky petals are colored pink or lilac-pink and have lighter colored veins. These plants provide beautiful cut flowers.

Pot Cultivation

Grow these plants in moist, well-drained soil, in sun or light shade. If the soil is clayey, add compost, manure or leaf mold and sand. If the soil is light, a top-dressing of manure should be added in the spring. Some varieties may need support.

Propagation

They may be divided in the spring. Seeds may also be sown outdoors or in flats of sifted sandy soil.