Malacothamnus lucianus 'Hanging Valley' - Santa Lucia Bushmallow

Description

A pretty shrub with gorgeous fuzzy, vibrant green foliage and clear pink flowers.  This selection is native to the Santa Lucia Mountains of Big Sur from, I assume, a remote area called Hanging Valley. Originally Malacothamnus palmeri var. lucianus, now promoted to species status it is Malacothamnus lucianus. Introduced by Suncrest Nursery.  Provide a sunny dry spot in your garden and it will quickly grow to about 6 by 6 feet. Not really picky about soil. Cut back hard after flowering for a compact plant the following year.  Deer do love this plant, so be aware! Mallows are a favored larval food source for many butterflies such as Painted Ladies, West Coast Ladies, and the Northern White-Skipper.