Desert Mallow*

Planting

Plant Desert Mallow in full sun with well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil - drainage is critical for this desert native. Space plants 3-6 feet apart to accommodate their mature size of 3-6 feet tall. Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, and avoid heavy clay soils that retain moisture, as this plant thrives on very low water once established.

After Planting

Water weekly during your plant's first summer to establish deep roots, then gradually reduce watering as fall approaches. By year two, Desert Mallow should need water only during extreme heat or drought; it's adapted to thrive on rainfall alone in most Bay Area conditions. Prune lightly after flowering (which runs May through September) to maintain shape, and expect the plant to go dormant and lose its leaves in winter - this is normal. The biggest mistake people make is overwatering; treat this like the drought-tolerant desert plant it is, and it will reward you with years of trouble-free blooms.

Birds

higBewick's wren

Shelter · Year-Round

Dense branches provide nesting and roosting cover

higCalifornia scrub-jay

Shelter · Year-Round

Nesting and territorial cover in coastal sage scrub habitat

modCalifornia quail

Seeds · Fall

Seeds consumed during autumn and winter months

modMountain Chickadee

Foliage · Year-Round

Gleans insects from foliage year-round

Mammals

higBig-eared wood rat

Shelter · Year-Round

Dense branching structure provides nest site protection

higBrush Rabbit

Foliage · Year-Round

Primary browse species for small mammals in coastal sage scrub

modBlack-tailed Jackrabbit

Foliage · Year-Round

Browse during drought years when herbaceous layer limited

modCalifornia kangaroo rat

Seeds · Year-Round

Seeds cached for winter food stores

modCalifornia mouse

Seeds · Fall

Fall seed collection for winter caching