< Back

Palmers Indian Mallow

Abuitilon palmeri

true

1 gallon

Palmers Indian Mallow

In stock

3-8'x3-5'

Sizes:

Indian Mallow – Abutilon palmeri

Also known as: Superstition Mallow

Indian Mallow is a lovely, informal accent plant ideal for native landscape gardens. It is particularly attractive near paths or seating areas, where its soft, silvery foliage and bright flowers can be fully appreciated. Native to the low Sonoran Desert of southern California, Arizona, and northwestern Mexico—including the San Jacinto Mountains—it typically grows on dry, rocky, east-facing mountain slopes and creosote scrublands between 1,800 and 2,400 feet in elevation. It has adapted to survive long periods of drought with only variable winter rainfall.

This loosely mounding shrub typically reaches about 4 feet tall and spreads 4 to 5 feet wide. Its pale gray-green leaves are soft and velvety, helping to reflect intense sunlight and reduce moisture stress. Bright orange-yellow to golden flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and may appear intermittently year-round, especially after rainfall.

Indian Mallow is tough and thrives under neglect. Its most common problems come from too much "TLC"—especially overwatering and excessive pruning. For best results, plant in rocky or sandy well-draining soil. Excess water can reduce flowering and promote excessive vegetative growth.

In low desert gardens, Indian Mallow prefers some filtered shade and may appear more open in habit. It can survive temperatures as low as 25°F, and even lower if brief. Frost-damaged tips may be pruned back in early spring. Young plants may require protection from rabbits.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: Arizona Powdered-Skipper (Systasea zampa)
Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus); Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus); California Hairstreak (Satyrium californica); Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia); Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
Bird Resources: Insects; Nest Material; Shelter
Bird Species: Verdins (Auriparus flaviceps); Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii); House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
Bees: Attracts a variety of native bees, including bumble bees (Bombus spp.), leafcutter bees (Megachile spp.), and sweat bees (Halictus spp.)

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Filtered Sun

Mature size:

3-8'x3-5'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Orange Yellow

Flower season:

Spring-Summer

Pruning:

Deadhead if a neater appearance is desired. Tip prune to encourage more compact growth and flowering.

Cold Hardiness:

25 Degrees for short periods but may experience leaf die back

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.