Callirhoe involucrata - Winecup

Callirhoe involucrata is a little-known, bushy and creeping perennial, cousin of mallows and hibiscus, also known as Mallow-poppy due to its pretty little cup-shaped flowers that resemble those of certain poppies. This plant is native to dry environments in North America so is particularly well adapted to dry and rocky soils. Its summer flowering is eye-catching, with a multitude of small cup-shaped flowers ranging from carmine pink to satin magenta, highlighted by a white centre. Its deeply cut foliage, of an intense dark green, spreads well and resembles perennial geraniums. Plant it in full sun, in rocky areas, or at the edge of a bed in a dry garden, give it space, and then forget about it; guaranteed effect!

Callirhoe involucrata belongs to the mallow family. In nature, it is found on rocky soil, in meadows and grassy areas in various states in the central USA from Iowa to New Mexico. The Mallow-poppy will reach a height of about 20-30 cm (8-12in) at maturity, with a spread of at least 60 cm (24in). Anchored by a long taproot, the crown sends out hairy stems adorned with foliage divided into 5-7 narrow, finger-like, hairy, dark green lobes. Flowering takes place over a long period from June to September, earlier in warm climates. The small solitary, cup-shaped flowers, with 5 petals, are produced abundantly. Their magenta or dark pink colour is enhanced by a glossy texture and a small white centre with a column of white stamens, typical of mallow flowers. The plant self-seeds in light soil.

Callirhoe involucrata, hardy and tolerant of summer drought, is a boon for dry gardens, sandy soils, and rocky areas, and ornamental walls where it will gracefully cascade. It also forms a beautiful ground cover for challenging, yet sunny areas of the garden. It can be accompanied by Malvastrum lateritium, a small creeping perennial with salmon-orange flowers, Aubrieta canescens, cerastium, stachys, or Dalea purpurea Stephanie, Ononis spinosa, sedums, Lithodora oleifolia, Californian poppies... and many other equally undemanding plants for dry soil. It can also be planted in a hanging basket, with regular but spaced-out watering.