Description

The chaparral mallow is the most common bush mallow of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo range, roughly the northern extent of its range. This fire-follower is found in chaparral and coastal scrub communities where it receives little summer water. The chaparral mallow grows as an open shrub with white, slightly furrowed leaves and abundant spring time flowers of light pink. It spreads via rhizome to form quite a patch over time, so provide ample room. It may be naturalized (no summer water) without any denigration of appearance during the dry months of summer. Dead head the spent flower stocks to maintain shape and a cleaner look.