Santa Lucia Bushmallow
Malacothamnus lucianus 'Hanging Valley'
Care
full sun
low
Medium; Prefers heavy soils but tolerates a variety of garden soils.
4–8ft tall , 5–5ft wide
Mar-Aug
Evergreen
Friendly
Prized
Santa Lucia Mountains of San Luis Obispo and Monterey County, 1000-3000 ft elevation, in chaparral.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Santa Lucia Bushmallow in full sun with well-draining soil - it prefers heavy soils but adapts to various garden types. Space it according to your desired mature size (4–8 feet tall) and note that it tolerates cold down to 15°F, making it well-suited to Bay Area gardens. Plant in fall or early spring to give it time to establish before summer heat.
After Planting
Water weekly for the first summer to help establishment, then taper to a maximum of twice monthly once established. Prune in late fall to shape the plant or remove unwanted sucker growth - this is also when you can maintain it as a hedge if desired. The biggest mistake is overwatering; this California native thrives on neglect once established, so let the soil dry between waterings and resist the urge to coddle it.
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Wildlife Supported
Birds
Dense shrub provides cover for coveys and nesting habitat
Dense shrub structure provides year-round cover and nesting habitat
Early spring nectar source during breeding season establishment
Shrub architecture provides foraging perches and shelter in chaparral scrub
Insects
Early spring pollen source for nest provisioning
Spring foraging for colony establishment
Mammals
Year-round foliage and shelter within shrub structure
Year-round browse of leaves and shoots, also provides shelter within dense growth