May Perennial of the Month-Purple poppy mallow

“Plays well with others, always friendly, positive, and tolerant.”

Thus, would read the report card for purple poppy mallow If garden beds were kindergarten classes. Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata) is also called purple prairie mallow or wine cups. No matter the name, the plant is a stunning, traffic-stopping native perennial on its own, but team it up with the right classmates, and it shoots to the head of the class! I LOVE how its flowing tendency weaves among other perennials, creating bold, colorful combinations you didn’t know would work together…but they do. Spilling over a retaining wall is another great use. Gold stars for effort AND execution!

Native poppy mallow is as used to mid-west winters as the scorching summers. Just remember one of the common names has ‘prairie’ in it-keep it in full sun and well-drained soils. 

Blooming in late spring to early summer, the intensely bright pink flowers resemble poppies. They typically grow 6-9″ high but can occasionally get over 12″. No matter the height, the spread amazes the unsuspecting novice gardener. They can reach 3 to 9′ wide as they work their way through a bed. The C. bushii species can grow up to 2′ high and wide with the same intense pink flowers.

What I love about this plant;

-Creates excellent color and texture combinations in a mixed bed.

-Tolerant of heat, drought, harsh winters, and neglect once established.

-It’s native!

-Lots of ‘bang for your buck’ with a broad, spreading habit that fills in a lot of bed space with one plant.

What’s not so great;

If you are one of those gardeners who don’t like plant touching or need all the plants to be in perfect, round mounds, this is NOT your plant. Poppy mallow is too friendly for strict, boarding-school-style rules. Let it play with its classmates and enjoy the combos. It’s easy enough to trim back if it gets too far out of line. Try C. bushii—Bush’s poppy mallow for a more rounded shape.

-Crown rot can occur in poorly drained soils. 

-Sends out a deep tap root making transplanting difficult. Choose its spot wisely and keep it there.

Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

© Jo Batzer, garden-lou.com-2024, All rights reserved.