Winecup (purple poppy mallow) Callirhoe involucrata
Winecup (purple poppy mallow) (Callirhoe involucrata) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Malvaceae family, native to Prairies and plains of the central and south-central United States. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Winecup (purple poppy mallow) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: taproot (cooked, traditionally) |
| Native to | Prairies and plains of the central and south-central United States |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Winecup (purple poppy mallow) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Winecup (purple poppy mallow)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Winecup (purple poppy mallow)
- How far apart should I plant Winecup (purple poppy mallow)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Winecup (purple poppy mallow) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Winecup (purple poppy mallow) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Winecup (purple poppy mallow)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Winecup (purple poppy mallow) flower?
- From about May for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Winecup (purple poppy mallow) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Winecup (purple poppy mallow)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Winecup (purple poppy mallow). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Native Plant Information Network, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin
Notes and assumptions
- A tallgrass prairie plant: deep roots make it drought-proof once established; it wants sun and lean soil (rich soil makes it flop). Leave the stems standing in winter for seed-eating birds and overwintering insects.
- Trailing stems with deeply lobed leaves and goblet-shaped, wine-magenta flowers with a white eye, opening each morning and closing at night, from spring to midsummer. A deep, carrot-like taproot carries it through drought; Plains peoples cooked it.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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