Scarlet Globemallow (Sphaeralcea coccinea)

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Scarlet Globemallow
Latin Name: Sphaeralcea coccinea
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 4–9.
Typical Height: 6–24 in (15–60 cm).
Typical Spread: 12–24 in (30–60 cm).
Bloom Period: Spring to summer.
Soil Preferences: Well drained sandy or gravelly soils. Tolerant of poor and dry soils. Avoid heavy, poorly drained clay which can cause crown rot.
Light Preferences: Full sun for best flowering. Tolerates light afternoon shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Toxicity: No authoritative reports of major toxicity located but specific data are limited. Consult poison control for ingestion or severe reactions.
Propagation: Propagation by seed is the most common method. Can also be propagated by softwood cuttings or division of established clumps.

Key Facts

Herbaceous perennial native to central and western North America.
Produces small cup shaped orange to scarlet flowers.
Drought tolerant and adapted to dry, well drained sites.
Attracts bees and other pollinators.
Typically low maintenance once established.
Used in xeriscape and prairie restoration plantings.
Reproduces readily by seed and can be propagated by cuttings or division.

Scarlet Globemallow is a low mounding herbaceous perennial that produces small cup shaped orange to scarlet flowers. It is valued in dry sunny plantings for long lasting color and pollinator habitat while remaining low maintenance once established.

Identification and appearance

Sphaeralcea coccinea forms clumps of gray green lobed leaves and slender stems topped with cup shaped flowers in shades of orange to scarlet. Plants typically reach about 6 to 24 inches tall and spread roughly 12 to 24 inches depending on soil and moisture. Bees and other pollinators frequently visit the blooms.

Where to grow and best uses

This plant performs best in full sun on dry, well drained sandy or gravelly soils and fits xeriscape, native plant, and prairie restoration plantings. It tolerates poor soils and light afternoon shade but reduced sun will lower bloom production. Use as a low accent, massed edging, or meadow component in temperate landscapes.

Planting season and spacing

Establish transplants during the local planting season for perennials either in spring or fall as appropriate for your climate. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart to allow clump development and reseeding without overcrowding. Give young plants a few seasons to form steady clumps and a reliable bloom display.

Watering and soil management

Scarlet Globemallow needs well drained soil and shows drought tolerance once established. Water regularly during the first season to develop roots then reduce irrigation. Persistent wet or poorly drained ground causes decline and crown problems while dry conditions produce compact, healthier plants with better flowering.

After flowering and maintenance

Remove spent flower stalks to tidy the plant and reduce unwanted seed spread. Plants are typically low maintenance and only need occasional thinning or division to rejuvenate older clumps. In colder parts of the range top growth may die back to the crown in severe winters and plants can be cut back in early spring.

Propagation and controlling spread

Propagation by seed is common and plants will readily self sow in suitable sites. Softwood cuttings or division of established clumps also work for expanding plantings. Control spread by deadheading before seed sets and by pulling excess seedlings where naturalizing is undesired.

Spread and naturalizing control

Sphaeralcea coccinea can form larger colonies over time through reseeding in favorable conditions. Monitor seedlings in borders and meadows and thin or remove young plants to limit expansion. For contained plantings lift and divide clumps every few years to keep plants neat and prevent overrun of adjacent low plantings.

How fast does Scarlet Globemallow grow?: Growth is moderate with plants reaching about 6 to 24 inches tall and forming a clump within a season or two depending on soil fertility and moisture. Reseeding can expand a planting across multiple seasons.
When does Scarlet Globemallow bloom?: Bloom occurs in spring through summer with exact timing varying by latitude and local climate. Peak display is often late spring into midsummer.
Does Scarlet Globemallow reseed aggressively?: Plants reproduce readily by seed and will self sow in suitable sites. Deadhead spent flowers or remove seedlings to limit naturalizing where unwanted.
What light and soil does it need?: Full sun produces the best flowering and well drained sandy or rocky soils are preferred. It tolerates low fertility and some light afternoon shade.
How can I propagate Scarlet Globemallow?: Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings, or division of established clumps. Seed propagation is most common and plants are reasonably easy to establish in suitable sites.