Sidalcea Elsie Heugh

2-3 Litre Pot

• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well drained
• Growth Rate: Average
• Flowering Period: June-July
• Hardiness: H7
• Eventual Height: 0.5-1m
• Eventual Spread: 0.1-0.5m

Sidalcea Elsie Heugh, commonly known as ‘Prairie Mallow’ and holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit,  is a beautiful, clump forming herbaceous perennial plant.  This variety is named after Elsie Heugh, a South African botanist who collected specimens of the plant in California in the 1920s and belongs to the Malvaceae family.

This Sidalcea has an upright habit and grows to a height of 1 metre. The plant has attractive, deeply lobed, green leaves that are soft to the touch and resemble those of a maple tree. From early to late Summer, it produces tall, slender stems that bear clusters of delicate, mauve pink flowers that bloom in succession. Each flower has five petals that are arranged in a distinctive, checkered pattern.

The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some drought, but regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist.

Overall, this is a stunning and easy-to-grow perennial that can add a splash of colour to any garden. It’s perfect for cottage gardens, meadow plantings, or mixed borders, and its striking blooms and attractive foliage will provide interest and beauty throughout the summer months.

How to care for your Sidalcea Elsie Heugh

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate some clay in the soil, but it doesn’t like to be waterlogged. If your soil is heavy or poorly drained, add some organic matter like compost, peat moss, or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and drainage.
• Light: This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates, but it will produce fewer flowers.
• Water: Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. However, avoid overwatering or letting the soil become waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. Water deeply once a week, or more often if needed, and make sure the soil has good drainage.
• Fertiliser: Doesn’t need a lot of fertiliser, but you can give it a boost in the Spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilisers, as they can encourage too much leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
• Pruning: After the first flush of flowers, you can cut back the stems by a third to promote more branching and flowering. This will also help to keep the plant tidy and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
• Mulching: Mulching can help to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Apply a layer of organic mulch like shredded bark, straw, or leaves around the base of the plant, but be careful not to cover the crown or stems.

By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Sidalcea Elsie Heugh in your garden for years to come.