Finger Poppy Mallow, Winecup
Callirhoe digitata
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
Callirhoe digitata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.9
Where it is found
Dry plains and barrens.
Central and Southern N. America - Illinois and Missouri to Kansas and Texas
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - cooked. A pleasant taste.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a light rich sandy loam and a sunny position. This species is hardy to about -15c. Plants resent root disturbance and should be planted into their final positions as soon as possible. Slugs are strongly attracted to this plant and can destroy even established plants by eating out all the young shoots in spring.
Propagating it: Seed - sow outdoors or in a cold frame. Plants resent root disturbance so the seed is best sown in situ in April, though the slugs will have a field day if you do not protect the plants. If seed is in short supply then sow it in pots in a cold frame, putting a few seeds in each pot, and plant the pots out in early summer once the plants have put on at least 15cm of growth. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 6 months at 15°c. Cuttings of young basal shoots in a frame in sand. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Division. With care since the plant resents root disturbance. We have found that it is best not to disturb this plant and so do not try to divide it, relying instead on taking basal cuttings since these do not disturb the main clump.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist