Hollyhock
Alcea rosea
Also known as
Common Hollyhock, Garden Hollyhock, Rose Mallow
Photo by lime_karee2 (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
H5
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
2.5m | Max | 1m |
1.5m | Min | 50cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Hollyhock
Hollyhock Overview
An old garden favourite, this short lived perennial only occasionally flowers in its first year. Tall flower spikes up to 2 m form in summer, with usually pink flowers but sometimes shades of red, yellow, cream and white. Flowers may be double or single.
Common problems with Hollyhock
Young growth can be attacked by caterpillars; flea beetles occasionally causes significant defoliation
How to harvest Hollyhock
Collect seed in late summer/ early autumn, however colour will not come true if other varieties are nearby.
How to propagate Hollyhock
Seed
Sow late winter in pots/modules at 13C for flowers in the same season. Or direct sow in midsummer if treating as a biennial.
Special features of Hollyhock
Attracts butterflies
Attracts bees
Other uses of Hollyhock
This plant suits informal cottage style gardens planted in flower borders/beds or wall-side borders.
Flowers - Sow Under Cover in October.
Thinking ahead to next year - sow these seeds for early spring and summer colour.
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Garden Biennials
A biennial plant takes two years to complete it's flowering cycle but worth the wait.
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