Phymosia umbellata

RHS Plant Profile
Mexican bush mallow

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Synonyms

Sphaeralcea umbellata

Shrubs
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A tropical evergreen shrub, up to around 3m high, with soft, lobed, grey-green leaves. Small clusters of bowl-shaped, bright red flowers are produced in summer; in a warm sheltered spot flowers may be produced almost all year round

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade; in areas prone to hard frosts, grow under glass or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter. Will not tolerate strong winds or waterlogged soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings in late spring or late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Minimal pruning required; if grown under glass, restrictive pruning can be done in late winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free