Checkerbloom
Sidalcea malviflorafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 6149 — Sidalcea malviflora
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IOverview
Overview
Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora) is a perennial subshrub or herb native to California, Mexico Northwest, and Oregon. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy from zones 5-9, it grows to a height of about 0.8 meters. Known for its edible leaves, checkerbloom is both ornamental and useful as an edible plant in gardens. Its distinctive features include large, showy flowers that resemble those of hibiscus, often appearing in shades of pink or purple. The leaves, which can be eaten raw or cooked, are commonly used in salads for their mild flavor or added to soups and stews for texture and nutrition. Checkerbloom has been introduced into Great Britain, making it a versatile addition to gardens in various climates. While it is not medicinal, its edible and ornamental qualities make it a valuable plant for both culinary and aesthetic purposes.
Quick answers
What is Checkerbloom?
Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora) is a perennial subshrub or herb native to California, Mexico Northwest, and Oregon. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Compare with:African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree→African Walnut→Allanblackia parviflora→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Checkerbloom thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows as a perennial subshrub or herb up to 0.8 meters tall. For best results, plant Checkerbloom in areas with well-draining soil and regular watering. Propagation can be done through division or seed sowing. The edible parts include the leaves, which are often used in culinary applications.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Checkerbloom for the first time
8steps
Start with Checkerbloom as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the plant to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Prune dead or damaged foliage as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back spent flowers and trim any dead leaves to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Checkerbloom (Sidalcea malviflora) are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their mild flavor or added to soups and stews for texture and nutrition. Skip the detailed preparation instructions as they were not provided in the data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 3 native· 1 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)United Kingdom
Broader regions
native:California, Mexico Northwest, Oregon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
Native to
XII
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