Plant Description

Sidalcea malviflora, subspecies virgata

Rose Checkermallow grows best in dry, grassy habitats. Its flowers range from light pink to magenta, and are a nectar source for many butterfly species. Rose Checkermallow is known to be a nectar source for the federally threatened Fender’s Blue Butterfly.

A close up photo of rose checkermallow flowers.

A close-up of Rose Checkermallow in bloom.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristic Plant Information
Height Up to 3 ft
Growth Rate Fast
Life Cycle Perennial
Moisture Use Low
Drought Tolerance High
Deer Browse Yes
Wildlife Value Good for insect pollinators
Hardiness USDA Zones 5-9
Bloom Time May-August
Bloom Color Light Pink to Magenta
Habitat Type Dry meadows/prairies

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Classification Scientific Name
Kingdom Plantae
Clade Angiosperms
Clade Eudicots
Order Malvales
Family Malvaceae
Genus Sidalcea
Species S. malviflora ssp. virgata

Planting information

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

Soil

Dry soils, can tolerate clay soils

Special Uses

Great for pollinators, also used by birds and small mammals; grows well on dry hillsides and open areas or woodland margins

Ease of Care

Easy

PLANT IMAGES