Phymosia umbellata

Phymosia umbellata is a Mexican bush of rare elegance, related to Abutilons, Hibiscus, and mallow, which should be seen more often in our coastal gardens or mild climates. Its Abutilon-like flowers, deep carmine red with a pure white throat, create a magnificent display with its grey-green and velvety vine leaves, from summer to the first cold weather, on a plant that can reach over 3m (10ft) in height in the ground. Apart from its low frost resistance (up to -8°C (17.6°F)), Phymosia umbellata is not difficult to grow in full sun or partial shade, in any good well-drained garden soil. It easily integrates into a flowering hedge, can be displayed near a path, or nestled against a wall for protection, or even in a large pot on the terrace, to be stored indoors in colder regions during winter.

Phymosia umbellata, formerly known as Sphaeralcea umbellata, is a bush belonging to the large mallow family. It is endemic to the forests of the Mexico region, governed by a tropical climate tempered by altitude, dry in winter, hot in spring, and rainy in summer. In its natural habitat, it can reach a height of 5 to 6m (16 to 20ft), but typically reaches 3m (10ft) in height and 1.50m (5ft) in width in our mild climate gardens. Its habit is bushy, rounded, supported by branches covered in a whitish fuzz. Its growth is rapid. It flowers for a long time if the weather remains mild, and its ephemeral flowers, which fade within 24 hours, continuously renew from July until December. The large buds covered in light grey fuzz are grouped in small clusters of 3 to 4 units in the axils of the leaves, and they open one after the other. Each flower, measuring up to 7cm (3in) in diameter, consists of 5 petals arranged in a cup, with a satin texture, intense carmine red in colour with a white base. The centre of the corolla is occupied by a white column. The flowers, pollinated by insect pollinators, transform into fruits composed of numerous tightly packed seeds that resemble those of roses and are easily self-sown. The foliage of Phymosia umbellata persists in mild climates until -5°C/-6°C (21.2°F). It consists of large palmate leaves measuring up to 20cm (8in) in diameter, with irregular lobes. They are covered in fuzz on their upper surface, giving them a soft grey sheen. This bush is capable of regenerating from the stump after short freezes around -8°C (17.6°F) if the stump is protected (especially in the first two years) and the soil remains relatively dry.

Phymosia umbellata will thrive in many areas spared from severe frosts, Atlantic or Mediterranean. It appreciates bright, warm exposures and can tolerate light shade in southern regions. Plant it in a sheltered spot away from strong winds, in soil that remains slightly moist until late summer. It can be used as a medium-sized hedge, in combination with bush mallows, Berberis 'Atropurpurea' for foliage contrast, a Polygala, or even with a tree clover (Lespedeza thunbergii) that will accompany its late summer flowering. It will also be stunning as a standalone plant or at the back of a perennial bed composed of autumn asters or shrubby salvias with blue flowers, for example.