Description

An upright, dainty perennial with lobed rounded leaves and 1.2 metre tall, thin stems of glowing silky pink and white blooms that have a resemblance to holly-hocks. The profusion of small flowers is produced in spring/summer for many months from a fully frost hardy clumping plant growing up to 60cm wide. A hardy and easy to grow plant that can be used to best effect in mixed borders, pebbled gardens or as a specimen plant. The flowers can also be cut for the vase and last very well.

Cultivation

They prefer cool summers and mild winters planted in good, deep moisture retentive soil. Plant them in a sunny location or in light shade if in very hot climate. Sidalcea should be cut back to about 30 tall after flowering to avoid the plant reverting back to the species former straggly appearance. This may also cause a second flush of blooms and encourages new basal grow for over-wintering. It will respond well to fertiliser and water during the growing season. No known pests or diseases.