Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)


Hollyhock Plant Features

A classic cottage garden favorite, hollyhock produces towers of gorgeous flowers from mid- to late summer. Growing 4 to 6 feet tall, hollyhock is ideal for the back-of-the border or lined up along a fence or building. The single or double flowers can appear in summery shades of pink, red, yellow, black, white, and purple. Hollyhock is a sun lover that thrives during periods of heat and drought. Hummingbirds will also flock to your garden to feast on the nectar-rich flowers. Hollyhock is a short-lived perennial (technically it's a biennial) so add new plants every year to insure a constant flow of flowers. The plants may seed themselves and will take two summers to mature enough to flower. Hollyhock is relatively deer resistant. Hardy from zones 3-8.

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Hollyhock Growing Instructions

Plant hollyhock in a location where it receives six to eight hours of direct sun a day. The plants are not fussy about soil type, but do best in a rich, well-drained spot. Stake the plants in windy locations to prevent them from toppling during storms.

Hollyhock is not recommended for human or animal consumption.

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Pink

    Purple

    Red

    Variegated

    White

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Attracts hummingbirds

    Deer/rabbit resistant


Complement your Hollyhock

Canna
The tall and beautiful flowers of Canna Lily make a great partner for the tall and beautiful flowers of Hollyhock!

Clematis
Plant Clematis on an arbor or trellis behind a bed of Hollyhock for a true cottage garden experience.

Helenium
Perennial Sunflower is tall enough to bloom alongside Hollyhock.


Our favorite varieties

Spring Celebrities Lilac Hollyhock

Spring Celebrities Lilac Hollyhock

Alcea rosea 'Spring Celebrities Lilac'

Gorgeous and easy to grow, this hollyhock shows off double lavender-purple flowers in summer on compact plants that grow 48 inches tall and 14 inches wide. Zones 6-8

Spring Celebrities Pink Hollyhock

Spring Celebrities Pink Hollyhock

Alcea rosea 'Spring Celebrities Pink'

More compact than most hollyhocks, Spring Celebrities Pink grows about 48 inches tall and 14 inches wide. It offers double pink flowers in summer. Zones 6-8

Spring Celebrities Lemon Hollyhock

Spring Celebrities Lemon Hollyhock

Alcea rosea 'Spring Celebrities Lemon'

This lovely variety offers spikes of soft yellow flowers and is excellent in container gardens as well and garden beds and borders. It grows 48 inches tall and 15 inches wide. Zones 6-8