How To Plant And Care For Vibrant Hollyhocks In Your Garden
In the gardening world, very few plants look as graceful as hollyhocks (Alcea rosea). These magnificent perennial flowers are often found in cottage gardens.
One of the most distinctive features of hollyhocks is their towering height. Like the gorgeous delphiniums! Some varieties can even reach up to 10 feet. A hollyhock plant can be easily identified by its tall, spire-like stalks decked in lots of large, trumpet-shaped blossoms.
The satin-soft flowers come in a burst of colors, such as pink, lavender, red, yellow, white, and salmon. Their most dramatic color, however, is black. While not truly black, these hollyhocks have intense dark burgundy or maroon petals, giving them a unique appearance.
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What Time of the Year Do Hollyhocks Bloom?
Hollyhocks typically bloom from late spring through mid-summer. Their spectacular display usually begins in late May or early June. Yet this depends on the local climate and growing conditions. This timing may also vary slightly based on the hollyhock variety and the region in which they are cultivated.
These spring flowers have a long blooming season that extends up to several weeks. Each bloom opens for a few days before gradually wilting, making way for new blossoms. Hollyhocks are perennials, meaning once you plant them, they’ll regrow flowers yearly.
To maximize their blooming potential, ensure they receive plenty of sunlight and are planted in a well-draining soil with adequate moisture.
Quick Facts about Hollyhocks
Scientific Name: Alcea rosea
Native Range: Central Asia and Europe
Hardiness Zones: 2 to 10
Height: Typically 6 to 10 feet
Bloom Time: Late spring to mid-summer
Are Hollyhocks Safe to Eat?
While many garden flowers have found their way into the kitchen, hollyhocks aren’t a favorite. They are technically edible but have a bland to bitter taste. Also, they produce a resin that may cause skin irritation. So, consume the plant with caution.
Some people add them to salads for a touch of color. They are even used as garnish and infused in tea. Keep in mind that adding hollyhock flowers to dishes is more about their ornamental appeal than their flavor.
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10 Most Common Varieties of Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks come in a wide array of varieties. Each type adds a unique charm and color palette to the garden. Let’s explore the ten most common varieties you can grow.
Chater’s Double Mix (Alcea rosea)
Chater’s Double Mix is the most popular hollyhock variety. It produces fully double, ruffled blossoms in eye-catching shades of pink, red, yellow, and white. This variety creates a stunning vertical display in any garden.
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Nigra (Alcea rosea ‘Nigra’)
These flowers are popularly known as black hollyhocks. However, this unique variety isn’t truly black. Instead, it has deep maroon, almost black blossoms. These dark flowers are a favorite for farmhouse-style decor due to their striking color.
Image credits: Nikolett Emmert.
Halo Series (Alcea rosea ‘Halo’)
The Halo Series hollyhocks have a distinctive eye or a halo blush at the center of each flower. This variety usually comes in baby pink with a bright pink halo blush or dark pink petals with an even darker halo.
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Indian Spring (Alcea rosea ‘Indian Spring’)
This variety is a biennial and has a longer life cycle. It needs full sun exposure to bloom. The Indian spring gets its name for its mix of bright, cheerful colors reminiscent of a lively Indian festival. These flowers bloom in shades of pink, red, and yellow, creating a cheerful garden display.
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Majorette (Alcea rosea ‘Majorette’)
Majorette hollyhocks have frilly blooms. They are ideal for smaller gardens or container planting as they grow to only 30-40 inches. They feature semi-double blooms, meaning they have more petals per flower than any other hollyhock variety. These sun-loving flowers come in various colors, like pastels, pink, and peach.
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Queeny (Alcea rosea ‘Queeny’)
Queeny hollyhocks are a compact variety with a bushier growth habit. This is a short-lived perennial variety, meaning they bloom for only 3-4 flowering seasons. The most common color of Queeny hollyhocks is purple. Still, they also come in a delightful range of colors, such as soft pinks and bright reds.
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Creme de Cassis (Alcea rosea ‘Creme de Cassis’)
This variety has semi-double flowers splashed with different colors. They have ruffled petals, usually in soft pastel shades. Like the halo variety, they also feature inner rings in dark pink shades. Along with that, they have a pale yellow stamen that attracts a lot of pollinators.
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Russian Hollyhock (Alcea rugosa)
Alcea rugosa is a Russian variety that grows 6-7 feet. It produces distinct butter-yellow blooms that are edible and quite attractive to hummingbirds. Gardeners think this kind is more resistant to diseases, especially the hollyhock rust.
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Bristly Hollyhock (Alcea setosa)
This ornamental variety is native to the Levant region (Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria). The bristly hollyhock is the only variety that starts blooming in April. It produces large, pink blossoms.
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Summer Carnival (Alcea rosea ‘Summer Carnival’)
As the name suggests, the summer carnival variety has a joyful mix of double blooms in bright shades of yellow, red, and pink. These hollyhocks capture the spirit of summer festivities.
Image credits: tudorrosecottage.
How to Grow Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks are a cherished addition to any garden. Planting these beautiful flowers from seeds is quite easy. With the right care, hollyhock flowers will thrive year after year.
Where to Plant Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks thrive in sunny locations with well-draining soil. Here are some key things to consider:
- Plant them in full sun. Hollyhocks are sun-loving plants, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Without sufficient sun, they may become leggy (tall stems with very few leaves and flowers).
- Choose a well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging of roots. If you have heavy clay soil, then you can improve drainage by adding organic matter like compost.
- Since hollyhocks are tall plants, they need adequate space to grow. Choose a wide spot for hollyhocks so they won’t crowd other plants. A distance of about 2-3 feet between hollyhocks and other plants will be sufficient.
- They need protection from strong wind. Since these are tall plants, they may lean or break due to strong winds.
When to Plant Hollyhocks
Timing is crucial when planting hollyhock seeds. Hollyhock seeds can be sown either in early spring or late fall, depending on your climate.
In milder zones, where winters aren’t too harsh, you can plant hollyhock seeds in the fall. It will allow the seeds to experience natural cold stratification (a process to break dormancy and initiate germination). If you are in a colder region, then wait till early spring. Plant the seeds after the last frost.
Image credits: Lisa Fotios.
How to Grow Hollyhocks from Seeds
Hollyhocks can be grown from fresh seeds easily. To improve germination rates, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. This softens the hard seed coat and encourages quicker sprouting. Then, fill a seed tray with loose soil mix, add the pre-soaked seeds, and cover with compost. Regularly spray water on the mixture, and seedlings will start sprouting within 3–4 weeks.
Before transplanting the seeds into the soil, first prepare the soil by removing weeds and debris. Mix in compost or manure to improve its porosity. Remove the saplings from the seed tray and sow them evenly over the prepared soil surface. Make sure those tiny roots stay moist. Press them gently into the soil with your fingers. Pat down the soil to ensure the roots are secure. Apply a layer of mulch around the seedlings to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. This is especially important in the summer to keep the soil cool.
When the seedlings grow a couple of inches, you will need to thin them to allow sufficient room. This will ensure there’s no overcrowding. For healthy growth, you’ll need to discard a few seedlings.
As your hollyhocks grow, they will need some structural support to prevent them from flopping over. To do so, gently tie them with sticks to maintain their upright posture.
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Can Hollyhocks be Grown in Containers?
While hollyhocks are typically grown in the ground, some dwarf varieties, like the Majorette, can be cultivated in containers or large pots. Ensure the containers have proper drainage, and provide staking if needed.
Image credits: Planting With Pablo.
Caring for Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks, once planted, are relatively low-maintenance plants. Follow these essential care tips to keep them thriving.
Fertilizing
Hollyhocks generally don’t require heavy fertilization. If your soil lacks nutrients, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can provide the necessary nourishment. Make sure to fertilize only during early spring, just before the flowering season.
Deadheading
Deadheading is a process of removing spent flowers. It’s crucial for promoting continuous blooming. When you deadhead hollyhocks regularly, the plant directs its energy into producing new blossoms. This ensures a longer display of vibrant flowers.
Deadheading also prevents hollyhocks from self-seeding and potentially overcrowding your garden. If you desire self-seeding, you can leave some spent flowers in place.
Watering
Hollyhocks are relatively drought-tolerant plants. However, they benefit from consistent moisture, especially during summer. Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry. This will reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
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Pruning and Propagating Hollyhocks
Pruning is an essential aspect of plant care as it maintains its health and appearance.
Deadheading is a form of pruning. Make sure to snip the stem just below the spent blossom. Do this regularly throughout the blooming season.
You can also do aesthetic pruning in the spring. Hollyhocks can develop tall, crowded centers with fewer flowers on the upper stems. If this happens, cut the upper, less productive stems to improve the plant’s appearance.
Conduct a more substantial pruning in late fall. Don’t be afraid to cut back the plant. Cut it down to a height of about 4-6 inches above the ground. This will protect it from the winter weather and encourage new growth in spring.
You should also prune at the first sign of disease or pest damage. Proactively remove affected leaves or stems to prevent the spread of diseases like hollyhock rust.
Image credits: Growing In The Garden.
Propagating Hollyhocks
You can propagate hollyhocks by collecting seeds, dividing them, or taking root cuttings..
For the seed collection method, collect the mature seed pods from the plant when they turn brown and brittle. You will start seeing seed pods just at the end of the flowering season. Separate the seeds from the pod and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to sow them. Properly stored hollyhock seeds can remain viable for several years.
If you are planning to sow the seeds directly outdoors, then plant them in June–July when there’s plenty of sunlight. To start the germination indoors, you can plant them in a seed tray in early spring.
Image credits: Growing In The Garden.
To propagate with the division method, carefully dig up the hollyhock plant you wish to divide. Make sure you don’t damage the roots. Gently pull apart the root system into smaller sections. Ensure each division has roots and a portion of the crown. Next, plant the divisions in their new locations. Then,follow the same steps as transplanting hollyhock saplings.
Root cutting is a similar method of propagation. Choose a mature hollyhock plant and dig up a healthy section of the root system. Gently cut the roots into pieces and ensure each piece is a few inches long and has at least one viable bud. Plant the root cuttings directly in the soil, about 2–3 inches deep. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the cuttings.
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Layering is another popular method for propagation, most commonly done for roses. Start by selecting a low, flexible branch of the hollyhock that can be easily bent to the ground. Dig a small trench in the soil where you want the new plant to grow. Bury the branch in the trench, leaving a portion of it above ground and securing it in place with a rock or stake. Keep the soil consistently moist, and in time, the branch should produce roots. Once it’s well-established, cut it from the parent plant.
Common Pests and Disease Management
Hollyhocks are generally hardy, but they still face a few challenges. Look out for these common pests and diseases that may affect hollyhocks:
- Aphids (small, soft-bodied insects) can cluster on the undersides of hollyhock leaves. Theyfeed on plant sap. To manage aphids, you can hose them off with a strong stream of water.
- Japanese beetles and weevils are notorious for their voracious appetite. They love to munch on hollyhock leaves. Spray neem oil on the plant to control their populations.
- Powdery mildew is a white, powdery substance that appears on the leaves and stems. It can cause leaves to wither and die prematurely. To solve this problem, increase air flow and apply a fungicidal spray.
- Deter slugs and snails from feeding on your plant by creating a physical barrier. Use copper tape or diatomaceous earth to deter them.
- A disease called botrytis blight can affect hollyhock flowers, causing them to become discolored and rot. To manage this fungal disease, avoid overhead watering, maintain proper spacing to improve air circulation, and remove affected parts.
Image credits: Planting With Pablo.
How to Prevent Hollyhock Rust?
This is a common fungal disease that affects hollyhock plants. It creates reddish-brown spots on the leaves. As the rust spreads, it interferes with the plant’s ability to carry out photosynthesis effectively. Reduced photosynthesis leads to stunted growth. It may also lead to fewer flowers and can weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to other diseases.
Luckily many modern cultivars are bred for improved disease resistance. Choose a variety, such as the Russian hollyhock, that is resistant to rust.
You can also prevent rust by reducing humidity. Plant hollyhocks with adequate spacing to ensure good air circulation. When watering, always make sure to do it at the base and keep the foliage dry. Wet leaves are more susceptible to fungal growth.
To manage rust, promptly remove infected leaves and stems. Then, use a rust-specific fungicide for control.
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Hollyhock Companion Plants
Roses (Rosa rubiginosa)
Image credits: Skyler Ewing.
Delphiniums (Delphinium elatum)
Image credits: Zuzanna Musial.
Clematis (Clematis L)
Image credits: Jolly Janner.
Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora)
Image credits: Jeffry Surianto.
Ornamental Grasses
Image credits: Rohan Dewangan.
Lilies (Lilium)
Image credits: Camilla Bundgaard.
Geraniums (Pelargonium)
Image credits: László Glatz.
Common Questions about Hollyhocks
Let’s address some common questions and concerns people have about hollyhocks.
How Tall Do Hollyhocks Grow?
Hollyhocks are renowned for their impressive height. They can reach heights between 6–12 feet. The height varies with the variety, growing conditions, and the local climate. Also, note that young hollyhock plants may need support as they grow. You may need to tie them with sticks to prevent them from flopping over.
How Long Do Hollyhocks Bloom?
Hollyhocks bloom from late spring to mid-summer, providing a colorful display for several weeks. Each individual hollyhock flower blooms for a few days before gradually wilting. You can ensure continuous blooming by deadheading.
Where Do Hollyhocks Grow Best?
Hollyhocks thrive in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 10. They need at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant them in a spot with abundant sunlight to promote healthy growth and prolific flowering.
Does Hollyhock Come Back Every Year?
Hollyhocks are typically considered biennials or short-lived perennials. In their first year of growth, they produce leaves and establish a strong root system. They usually don’t flower in the first year. In the second year, tall flowering spikes appear. After a prolific bloom of 3–4 seasons, these plants may start to decline. However, they often self-seed, allowing new hollyhocks to grow from the fallen seeds.
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