Allowissadula holosericea (velvet-leaf mallow)

Allowissadula spp.

Malvaceae

Mexico and the south-central United States

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Allowissadula spp. is a genus of about nine shrubs and woody-based perennials in the family Malvaceae, native to Mexico and the south-central United States, with several species in Texas. Plants form upright, branched clumps 0.5-2 m (1.5-6.5 ft) tall, clothed in soft, star-shaped hairs that give the heart-shaped, toothed leaves a velvety grey-green surface. From late spring into autumn they carry five-petalled yellow to orange flowers 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 in) wide, opening a few at a time over a long season. The flowers are followed by segmented capsules that break into one-seeded sections, typical of the mallow family. Allowissadula spp. grows on dry limestone slopes, rocky grassland, and brushland in full sun, drawing on a deep root system to endure heat and drought. The plants are frost-sensitive and behave as die-back perennials where winters are cool. Bees and other insects visit the open flowers. Growth is slow on the thin, stony soils the genus favours, and plants stay sparse where moisture is very limited.

Native Range

Native to Mexico and the south-central United States, with several species in Texas, growing on dry limestone slopes and in rocky grassland and brushland.

Suggested Uses

Grown in xeriscape, rock, and wildlife gardens for long warm-season flower and as nectar plants for bees. Used on dry slopes and rocky banks where few other shrubs persist.

How to Identify

Recognized by upright mallow shrubs with velvety, star-haired, heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges and a soft grey-green colour. The yellow to orange flowers have five petals and open 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 in) wide. Ripe capsules split into one-seeded segments arranged in a ring.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 6'7"

Width/Spread1'6" - 4'11"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Yellow to orange flowers open from late spring through autumn, a few at a time over a long season. Each five-petalled flower lasts about a day and is followed by a segmented seed capsule. Flowering is most prolonged where summer moisture is available.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

rocky sand loam chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Most species grow in full sun on dry, sharply drained limestone, rocky, or sandy soils and tolerate heat and prolonged drought. They need little water once established and rot in heavy, wet ground. In cool-winter areas the top growth dies back and the plant regrows from the root crown in spring. Frost-free climates keep the woody framework year-round. Plants flower over a long period with minimal care.

Pruning

Cutting back frost-killed or straggly stems in late winter keeps a tidy shape and encourages fresh flowering growth. Plants tolerate hard renewal pruning to the base. Light trimming after the main flush extends bloom.

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic

Shrubs

Allowissadula spp.

Malvaceae

Mexico and the south-central United States

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Native Range

Native to Mexico and the south-central United States, with several species in Texas, growing on dry limestone slopes and in rocky grassland and brushland.

Suggested Uses

Grown in xeriscape, rock, and wildlife gardens for long warm-season flower and as nectar plants for bees. Used on dry slopes and rocky banks where few other shrubs persist.