False mallow (Sphaeralcea bonariensis)
Care, watering, light and tips for False mallow on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Malvaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About False mallow
Sphaeralcea bonariensis, commonly known as Buenos Aires Globemallow, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Malvaceae family, valued for its vibrant cup-shaped orange or reddish flowers. Its stems are typically branched and covered with soft hairs, forming a compact and floriferous shrub that looks splendid in borders, rock gardens, or as part of a low-maintenance garden, providing continuous splashes of color throughout the warm season.
Native range
South America, specifically Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay
Care tips
It thrives in full sun for abundant flowering and well-drained soil, though it tolerates poor soils. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out between waterings, as it is quite drought-tolerant once established. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot; ensure optimal drainage. It benefits from light pruning after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.