Smallleaf Globemallow Plant Care

Smallleaf Globemallow (Sphaeralcea parvifolia) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Sphaeralcea genus. Smallleaf Globemallow is native to the western United States in the Great Basin and Colorado River drainage. Smallleaf Globemallow is also known as Smallleaf Mallow.

Smallleaf Globemallow displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Smallleaf Globemallow produces showy, cup-shaped flowers in shades of orange, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Smallleaf Globemallow every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Smallleaf Globemallow thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sphaeralcea parvifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Smallleaf Globemallow prefers humidity levels of 30–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Smallleaf Globemallow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Smallleaf Globemallow every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Smallleaf Globemallow is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Smallleaf Globemallow can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Smallleaf Globemallow while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Smallleaf Globemallow is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Smallleaf Globemallow can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to desert globemallow plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Smallleaf Globemallow is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Smallleaf Globemallow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Smallleaf Globemallow is native to the western United States in the Great Basin and Colorado River drainage. In cooler regions, grow Smallleaf Globemallow as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.