How much sun does Waxy Checkerbloom need?

Waxy Checkerbloom grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Waxy Checkerbloom bloom?

Waxy Checkerbloom blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Waxy Checkerbloom native?

Waxy Checkerbloom (Sidalcea glaucescens) is native to CA, NV, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Waxy Checkerbloom attract?

Waxy Checkerbloom draws bees and butterflies.

Is Waxy Checkerbloom HOA-friendly?

Waxy Checkerbloom takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Waxy Checkerbloom

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sidalcea glaucescens

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Waxy Checkerbloom (Sidalcea glaucescens) 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

12"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, NV

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range

Waxy checkerbloom is a compact perennial wildflower with soft pink to white hollyhock-like blooms that appear from May through July. This drought-tolerant native forms neat clumps and works well in water-wise gardens and natural landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Waxy Checkerbloom takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Dies back significantly in winter creating bare patches
Has wildflower appearance that many HOAs consider too informal
May self-seed and spread beyond intended areas

Wildlife value

The showy flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. This native plant provides important nectar resources for pollinators during the warm season.

Common questions

How much sun does Waxy Checkerbloom need?: Waxy Checkerbloom grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Waxy Checkerbloom bloom?: Waxy Checkerbloom blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Waxy Checkerbloom native?: Waxy Checkerbloom (Sidalcea glaucescens) is native to CA, NV, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Waxy Checkerbloom attract?: Waxy Checkerbloom draws bees and butterflies.
Is Waxy Checkerbloom HOA-friendly?: Waxy Checkerbloom takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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