Purple Poppy Mallow
Purple Poppy Mallow, also called Winecups, is best known for its massive display of chalice-shaped magenta flowers on trailing foliage. The deep magenta flowers, two and a half inches across, are cup-shaped and stand individually on single stems …
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Dry, Medium |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Height | 1' |
| Bloom Color | Pink, Purple, Red |
| Bloom Time | June, July, Aug, Sep |
| Spacing | 3' |
| Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Root Type | Taproot |
| Benefits | Pollinators, Host Plant, Deer Resistant |
Purple Poppy Mallow, also called Winecups, is best known for its massive display of chalice-shaped magenta flowers on trailing foliage. The deep magenta flowers, two and a half inches across, are cup-shaped and stand individually on single stems. The palmate leaves, around three inches wide, are deeply lobed and covered with bristly hairs. A group of trailing stems all eminate from the center of the plant and grow outward. A single specimen at maturity forms a three to four foot wide/round groundcover shape, approximately one foot high, that bursts with color all summer long.
Seasonal
Early to midsummer is the peak bloom time for Poppy Mallow, but plants will continue blooming into late summer and even into fall. The flowering can be prolonged by deadheading – removing the spent flowers before they set seed.
Natural Habitat and Best Conditions
Native to the southern and central Great Plains, Callirhoe involucrata is a drought tolerant plant with a long tap root, and naturally prefers a dry, well-drained site. However, this mallow species is reasonably adaptable and will grow in any almost any dry to medium soil in full sun. It is easily cold hardy up to Zone 5, but does poorly in wet conditions and will not survive soggy roots. This plant requires good drainage. In southern and hotter locations, Purple Poppy Mally can go into dormancy in the heat of summer, but new leaves will emerge after a good rain.
Growth Habit, Spreading, Reseeding
Purple Poppy Mallow has a medium growth rate, and a plant will take two years to fully mature. As mentioned, a single plant forms a trailing mat of growth that emanates from the center. The trailing branches do not set out new roots (no runners). Purple Poppy Mallow reproduces by seed and it does so easily, but you won’t have any trouble finding recipients once your friends see this plant in full bloom.
Best Landscape Uses
This is an excellent groundcover for a sunny rock garden. At home in both formal and naturalized settings, Purple Poppy Mallow is a real show-stopper when trailing over a low retaining wall. It is also a good mingler, and looks wonderful weaving among grasses and wildflowers in a low-growing prairie or garden.
Eco Benefits and Interactions
Purple Poppy Mallow will attract numerous small bees, bumble bees, and even some butterflies. It is one of several host plants for both the Gray Hairstreak and Painted Lady butterflies. It is somewhat deer resistant, but not entirely. Rabbits will eat the emerging plants, and that can be an issue in spring. Mature plants are large enough to absorb some grazing, and bristly too, which diminishes the appeal to herbivores as the plant matures.
General Care or Specific Needs
Plants may be cut back after midsummer if they get too leggy. Deadheading, removing spent flowers before they set seed, will prolong the bloom period.
Moving and Transplanting
Purple Poppy Mallow is easy to grow, but divides poorly because it is taprooted. Transplanting (moving) a large established specimen is not recommended, however, smaller seedlings are easy to transplant, successfully.
