Hollyhocks

Botanical Name

:

Alcea rosea

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous biennial

Seasons

:

Summer (blooms in the second year)

Sun Level

:

6–8 hours of full sun daily

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–70°F (15–21°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-draining, fertile soil

Germination

:

10–14 days at 60–70°F (15–21°C)

P.H. Level

:

Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged and water regularly in dry seasons.

Fertilization

:

Light feeding in spring with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer.

Habit

:

Tall, upright, single-stemmed (though branching can occur), with large, rounded leaves.

Final Plant Height

:

60–96 inches (150–240 cm)

Spread

:

18–24 inches (45–60 cm)

Spacing

:

18–24 inches apart (45–60 cm)

Flowers

:

Large, showy, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, white, or purple. They bloom in succession up the stalk.

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Uses

:

Cottage gardens, borders, back of flower beds, and cut flowers

Companions

:

Delphiniums, Foxgloves, clematis, Canna lilies

Pruning

:

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming and cut back after flowering to maintain tidiness

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles

Diseases

:

Rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot (if conditions are too humid)

Additional Info

:

Hollyhocks are susceptible to rust so ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. In colder climates, mulch around the base in winter to protect roots from freezing.

Did You Know?

Hollyhocks flowers are edible and add color to salads or as a garnish.

Botanical Name

:

Alcea rosea

Plant Type

:

Herbaceous biennial

Seasons

:

Summer (blooms in the second year)

Sun Level

:

6–8 hours of full sun daily

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–70°F (15–21°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-draining, fertile soil

Germination

:

10–14 days at 60–70°F (15–21°C)

P.H. Level

:

Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5)

Water/Irrigation

:

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged and water regularly in dry seasons.

Fertilization

:

Light feeding in spring with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer.

Habit

:

Tall, upright, single-stemmed (though branching can occur), with large, rounded leaves.

Final Plant Height

:

60–96 inches (150–240 cm)

Spread

:

18–24 inches (45–60 cm)

Spacing

:

18–24 inches apart (45–60 cm)

Flowers

:

Large, showy, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, white, or purple. They bloom in succession up the stalk.

Attracts

:

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Uses

:

Cottage gardens, borders, back of flower beds, and cut flowers

Companions

:

Delphiniums, Foxgloves, clematis, Canna lilies

Pruning

:

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming and cut back after flowering to maintain tidiness

Toxicity

:

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Pests

:

Aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles

Diseases

:

Rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot (if conditions are too humid)

Additional Info

:

Hollyhocks are susceptible to rust so ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. In colder climates, mulch around the base in winter to protect roots from freezing.

Did You Know?

Hollyhocks flowers are edible and add color to salads or as a garnish.