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Miniature Hollyhock Wikimedia Commons
Malvaceae

Miniature Hollyhock

Sidalcea malviflora

Prairie grace in miniature.

Family
Malvaceae
Genus
Sidalcea
Native to
western North America
Bloom season
Late Spring, Summer
Type
herbaceous perennial
Height
60–120 cm
Sunlight
full sun to part shade
Soil
moist, well-drained
Water
moderate
Hardiness
5–9
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The flowers look exactly like hollyhocks scaled to half size, arranged along tall spikes in the same fashion.
  • Unlike true hollyhocks, sidalcea is resistant to rust disease, making it a far easier garden plant.
  • The genus name combines 'Sida' and 'Alcea' — two related mallow genera that it resembles.
  • It is a native prairie plant that once carpeted meadows across Oregon and California before agricultural conversion.
  • Cutting back spent flower spikes encourages a second, sometimes even third, flush of bloom through summer.

Color meanings

Pink

delicate prairie beauty

Magenta

bold wild spirit

White

innocent simplicity

Uses

  • cottage gardens
  • prairie restoration
  • cut flowers
  • pollinator borders