Sidalcea malviflora
checker-mallow
malvaceaePink flower spikes; round or lobed glossy
green leaves
3–4 ft. high; 2 ft. wide
Full sun or part shade
Blooms June–August
Zones 5–7
pruning Deadhead plants to lateral
flowering spikes to keep them bloom-
ing into September and to prevent
prolific seeding. Cut plants down to
the ground if the stems should decline
(usually due to hot and dry conditions),
or when all flowering is finished. Some
authorities feel that deadheading the
plants regularly and cutting them
down when all flowering is done will
prolong the life of this often
short-lived perennial. Keep plants
moist after cutting down. If cut back in
midsummer, low new growth and
possible rebloom may occur. In
especially hot summers, however, new
growth may not develop until the
return of cooler autumn weather,
usually sometime in late September. If
plants have not already been cut down,
do so for the winter.other maintenance Performs
best in moist, cool climates. Foliage
often declines with hot and humid
weather and dry soil in summer. Keep
plants moist during such conditions,
but provide well-draining soil. Divide
in the autumn after about the 3rd year
if needed; be careful when dividing,
because of the taproot. May need
support unless more compact cultivars
are selected. Often short-lived.
related plantS Sidalcea ‘Loveli-
ness’, ‘Oberon’, and ‘Puck’ are dwarf
cultivars that reach 2–2 1/2 ft. tall and
normally do not require support.Silene coronaria
(syn. Lychnis coronaria)
rose campion
c aryophyllaceaeVivid magenta flowers; fuzzy gray stems
and leaves
2–3 ft. high; 1 1/2 ft. wide
Full sun
Blooms June–July
Zones 4–8
pruning Regular deadheading, every
week or so through July and August,
can prolong bloom by several weeks or
Sidalcea malviflora