Apricot globemallow
Sphaeralcea ambigua
Last reviewed: August 2026
Apricot globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, NV, UT and 1 more states. It blooms in February, March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and butterflies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Apricot globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–36" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, UT and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A rounded, woody-based perennial subshrub with gray-green, velvety, three-lobed leaves and abundant cup-shaped apricot-orange flowers held on tall spikes in spring. Semi-evergreen and drought deciduous, dropping leaves in extended dry heat. Thrives in poor, rocky, fast-draining soil.
Growing Apricot globemallow
Grow Apricot globemallow in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Apricot globemallow is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge.
Wildlife value
Host plant for Common checkered skipper.
Spring flowers are a major nectar source for bees and butterflies, and the foliage serves as a larval host for several checkered-skipper butterflies.
Common questions
- How much sun does Apricot globemallow need?
- Apricot globemallow grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Apricot globemallow bloom?
- Apricot globemallow blooms in February, March, April, and May.
- Where is Apricot globemallow native?
- Apricot globemallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Apricot globemallow host?
- Apricot globemallow is a larval host plant for Common checkered skipper.
- Is Apricot globemallow HOA-friendly?
- Apricot globemallow is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Apricot globemallow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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