Sidalcea 'Shimmer'

Description and Characteristics

Sidalcea 'Shimmer', often referred to as a Miniature Hollyhock or Checker Mallow, is a delightful herbaceous perennial known for its elegant spires of soft silvery-pink flowers and attractive deeply divided foliage. A member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), Sidalcea bridges the charm of wild meadow plants with the refined appearance of border perennials.

‘Shimmer’ features narrow, upright flower spikes covered in cup-shaped, satin-textured blooms from early to mid-summer, creating a fluttering effect in the breeze. Its finely cut, almost lacy foliage adds extra ornamental value, making it an excellent choice for cottage gardens, pollinator borders, and naturalistic plantings.

Typically reaching 60–80 cm in height and about 30–40 cm in spread, this variety is ideal for mid-border placements, where its airy appearance and graceful flowers can float above companion plants. It also works well in informal or wildlife gardens, where its long bloom period and nectar-rich flowers support bees and butterflies.

• Tall, upright stems with pale pink to silvery-pink blooms

• Flowering period: June to August

• Height: 60–80 cm; Spread: 30–40 cm

• Soft, finely divided foliage with a shimmering texture

• Excellent for informal borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife planting

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Sidalcea 'Shimmer' is easy to grow and thrives in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Once established, it is a reliable and low-maintenance plant with good resistance to many pests and diseases.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for strong flowering

  • Will tolerate light shade, though stems may stretch

• Soil Preferences:

  • Best in moist but well-drained soil

  • Adapts to a range of soil types, including loam, sandy, or chalky

  • Avoid heavy or waterlogged soils

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment and dry periods

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant, but flowers better with consistent moisture

  • Mulch annually in spring to retain soil moisture

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support growth and flowering

  • Top-dress with compost or organic matter in autumn or spring

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom time

  • Cut back flowering stems after blooming to encourage tidy regrowth

  • In late autumn, cut stems down to the base or leave some seedheads for structure

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 4–8 (RHS H7)

  • Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland

  • Mulch in colder areas to protect the root crown from frost

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Sidalcea 'Shimmer' adds grace, height, and wild charm to summer gardens. Its combination of elegant flowers and pollinator appeal make it suitable for a range of garden styles, from traditional cottage gardens to meadow-style and wildlife plantings.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for cottage garden borders, wildflower meadows, or pollinator-friendly beds

  • Adds soft vertical movement to mixed perennial schemes

  • Works well in naturalistic and prairie-style plantings

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with Salvia nemorosa, Achillea, Nepeta, Coreopsis, and Scabiosa

  • Blends with ornamental grasses like Stipa tenuissima or Deschampsia

  • Complements Geranium, Gaura, and Campanula

• Pollinator Value:

  • Flowers are highly attractive to bees, hoverflies, and butterflies

  • Provides nectar through the heart of summer

  • An excellent plant for biodiverse gardens and wildlife borders

• Cut Flower Use:

  • Lovely addition to fresh floral arrangements

  • Cut when the lower buds begin to open

  • Lasts well in water and adds vertical structure

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May occasionally suffer from rust—ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering

  • Remove affected leaves to reduce spread if necessary

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.