Plant care & info

Family: Malvaceae

Genus: Sidalcea

Common Name: Checkermallow

Western North America.

Flowers are in white to pink clusters at the top of the stems, resembling delicate hollyhocks. Basel clumps of lobed leaves, with those on the flowering stems often more finely dissected.

Most checkermallows will grow well in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moist to wet soil. Depending on the species, it may also tolerate drier conditions.

Deadhead spent flowers to promote bloom. Cut the plant back down to the basal rosette of leaves in the autumn.

If grown in conditions that are too wet and too little air circulation, leaf-spot or rust can occur. Otherwise, it does not seem to be especially bothered by any pests or diseases.

Native checkermallow can be grown from seed collected in the late summer or early fall. Seeds can sown directly in the garden or in flats that are left outside to chill for several weeks. Seeds will germinate in the following spring.

In late spring through early summer, tall stems of delicate, hollyhock-like blossoms of white to rosy pink stand tall in the sunny borders–and they’re actively visited by both bees and butterflies alike! Of the two dozen or so species of Sidalcea native to western North America, about ten are native to Oregon.

There are species that make their home along the coast and on each side of the Cascades, so there are checkermallows suitable for a range of garden conditions. For the most part, they are best in full sun to partial shade. Most are also happiest with moist to wet, well-drained soil. Some will tolerate hotter and drier conditions too, but only if they’re given a bit more shade or extra attention with supplemental watering.

Bees and butterflies will enjoy your Sidalcea, with some species acting as caterpillar host plants for a few of our native butterflies. To have enough for you and for the caterpillars to enjoy, they are fairly easy to propagate from seed.

Explore More Checkermallow

Meadow Checkermallow

Sidalcea campestris: Meadow Checkermallow

Possibly the most versatile checkermallow for the garden, it blooms in late spring to early summer. Flowers range from white with light pink to simply pink. Prefers full sun to light shade, and well-drained soil that remains moist to rather dry. It will need more water in hotter and drier areas. Grows 2-6 feet. Easily propagated by seed.

Cusick's Checkermallow

Sidalcea cusickii: Cusick’s Checkermallow

Found only in open, riparian sites (river banks) in western Oregon. Rose-pink petals deepen in color as they age. Grows to 5 feet. Thrives in full sun to partial shade with consistent watering. A particular favorite of butterflies!

Henderson's Checkermallow

Sidalcea hendersonii: Henderson’s Checkermallow

Inhabits tidal marshes and wet coastal meadows. However, it can be successfully grown in gardens on both sides of the Cascades. A beautiful addition to a moist/wet wildflower garden. Red-purple flowers top out at about 5 feet.

Dwarf Checker Mallow

Sidalcea malviflora: Dwarf Checker Mallow

Growing no more than 2 feet, with flowers ranging from pale to deep pink, this varied species contains 13 subspecies—half of which can be found throughout western Oregon. In the garden, give it full sun to part shade and regular water.

Oregon Checker Mallow

Sidalcea oregana: Oregon Checker Mallow

One of the Sidalceas from east of the Cascades. Found in moist meadows but also in and around dry forest areas. Light to dark pink flowers grow 2-4 feet in height. This is the one that can reliably grow in drier conditions.