Malacothamnus fasciculatus
southern coastal bushmallow
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesAttracts HummingbirdsDrought Tolerant
Native to North America
Overview
Malacothamnus fasciculatus is an evergreen to drought-deciduous shrub growing 3-13 ft (0.9-4 m) tall and 4-8 ft (1.2-2.4 m) wide, with slender, upright to arching stems. The rounded, shallowly lobed leaves are 0.5-2 in (1.5-5 cm) long and densely covered in star-shaped hairs that give them a gray-green, felted surface. From spring into summer, clusters of pink to mauve mallow flowers about 0.75-1 in (2-2.5 cm) across line the upper stems, each with five petals surrounding a central column of fused stamens. The species is native to coastal and inland southern California, where it grows in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and on disturbed slopes, often increasing after fire. It grows in USDA zones 8 to 10, tolerates drought and poor soils, and resprouts from the base. In gardens it grows quickly and can become leggy and short-lived, declining after several years without cutting back. It drops some leaves during extended summer drought.
Native Range
Malacothamnus fasciculatus is native to southern California, from the coast through inland foothills and valleys. It grows in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and on disturbed slopes, frequently appearing in abundance after wildfire.Suggested Uses
Used in native, water-wise, and habitat gardens and for quick cover on slopes, spaced 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m) apart. The flowers attract native bees and butterflies, and the foliage is a larval food source for several butterfly species.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 13'
Width/Spread4' - 8'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly from spring into summer, roughly April to July, with sporadic bloom continuing later after rain. The pink mallow flowers open in succession along the stems over several weeks. Plants often flower more heavily in the seasons following fire.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pink to mauveFoliage Description
gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Malacothamnus fasciculatus grows in full sun and well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky ground, with pH from 6.0 to 7.5. It tolerates extended summer drought once established and needs little to no supplemental water in its native range. It is hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10 and resprouts from the base after cutting or fire. Rust and aphids can affect the foliage. Without periodic cutting back the shrub becomes leggy and tends to be short-lived.Pruning
Cut back hard in late fall or winter to control legginess and renew dense growth, since the shrub resprouts readily from the base. Lighter shaping after the main bloom maintains form. Old, woody stems can be removed at ground level.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fallwinter