Care of the shrub Malacothamnus fasciculatus or Chaparral mallow |
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The genus Malacothamnus, family Malvaceae, includes 11 species of shrubs native to the American continent. Some species are: Malacothamnus fasciculatus, Malacothamnus palmeri, Malacothamnus jonesii, Malacothamnus densiflorus, Malacothamnus arcuatus. Common names: Chaparral mallow, Southern coastal bushmallow, Chaparral bushmallow. This species is native to California. Malacothamnus fasciculatus is a shrub with thin stems, a rounded shape and fast growth that reaches 4.8 meters (16 feet) in height. The leaves, dark green in color, can be lobed or rounded. The abundant and showy pink flowers appear in elongated and branched clusters. It blooms in spring and summer. Chaparral mallow is used as an isolated specimen, on dry and sunny slopes, in bushy groups and to fix banks. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. It's ideal for Mediterranean gardens. Malacothamnus fasciculatus needs full sun exposure and a warm and dry climate. It is best not to expose it to frost. The soil can be normal garden soil with 20% coarse sand to achieve good drainage. Southern coastal bushmallow is a drought-resistant plant that needs moderate watering always waiting for the substrate to have dried completely. Fertilize with mineral fertilizer once in spring and again in summer. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage subsequent flowering. Malacothamnus fasciculatus is resistant to common pests and diseases. Chaparral mallow is propagated by cuttings taken from branches that have not flowered. |
Images of the shrub Malacothamnus fasciculatus or Chaparral mallow |
 Malacothamnus fasciculatus  Malacothamnus fasciculatus |