SIDALCEA (Sidal'cea)

DESCRIPTION: These summer-flowering perennials are natives of North America. They range in height from 2 to 4 feet. S. malviflora, commonly known as Checkerbloom or Prairie Mallow, is a beautiful plant that forms mostly basal clumps of bright green foliage. The leaves are divided into 7 to 9 rounded lobes. In the summer, terminal racemes of bowl-shaped flowers are produced. Their silky petals are colored pink or lilac-pink and have lighter colored veins. These plants provide beautiful cut flowers.

POTTING: Grow these plants in moist, well-drained soil, in sun or light shade. If the soil is clayey, add compost, manure or leaf mold and sand. If the soil is light, a top-dressing of manure should be added in the spring. Some varieties may need support.

PROPAGATION: They may be divided in the spring. Seeds may also be sown outdoors or in flats of sifted sandy soil.

VARIETIES: S. candida; S. malviflora & var. Listeri; Crimson King; Interlaken; Monarch; Elsie Hugh; Sussex Beauty; Scarlet Beauty; Rose Queen; Jimmy Whittet.

Go see DICTIONARY OF BOTANICAL NAMES.

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