Alcea rosea
Hollyhock, Garden hollyhock
Also known as Althaea rosea
- Height × spread
- 0.8m – 2m × 0.4m – 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available in Spring
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Much loved cottage garden plants that are superb when well grown and not afflicted by rust disease that can affect some forms. These are tall (often well over 2 metres) slender plants with large rounded 'mallow' flowers on their stems. They are often interbred with the similar Alcea ficifolia and these hybrids are less prone to disease. They come in a good range of colours and there are single and double forms, some so fulsome they look like bright pompoms. Alcea forms are often grown as annuals, or may be biennials as well as short lived perennials. They may require staking, slugs may eat them and they will need watering when it is dry. Despite the work they are simply worth it.
- Flower colour
- Black, Pink, Purple, Red, Rose, White, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.8m – 2m
- Spread
- 0.4m – 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Mediterranean garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Summer-Autumn · Planting
Support tall stems
The plant may require support for long stems. Provide an artificial frame which it can grow through, or loosely tie the whole plant. A network of twigs can be woven together to provide a framework through which the plant can grow.
Tall stems can lean or be battered by weather. Support the plant to keep its vertical lines, aiming for a natural appearance which is easy on the eye.
Found in
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