Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) – Tall Mixed Colour Garden Perennial (12 x 9cm Pots)

Hollyhocks bring classic cottage garden height to a border, with tall spires of large, papery flowers that rise above fences and walls from midsummer. This collection of Alcea rosea gives you a mix of flower colours, so the display looks natural and varied.

You receive 12 plants, each in its own 9cm pot. Hollyhocks are British garden favourites, well suited to the back of a border, a sunny wall or fence, a cutting garden or a wildlife planting. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators, and the cut stems last well in a vase. The plants are usually short lived and often behave as biennials, flowering in their second summer and then self seeding around the garden.

Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Hollyhocks are fully hardy, and they cope with salt air and dry spells once established. Water regularly in the first season after planting. Tall stems may blow over in an exposed spot, so stake them, especially near the coast or on open sites.

Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering, or leave a few to self-seed for a relaxed, naturalistic look. Hollyhock rust (Phragmidium malvacearum) is common on the leaves and rarely kills the plant. Remove affected leaves promptly. The exact mix of colours in the collection may vary.

Cultural Information

• Botanical Name: Alcea rosea
• Common Name: Hollyhock, Common Hollyhock
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 150-250cm tall and 45-60cm wide (variety dependent)
• Growth Habit: Upright, tall-stemmed, with a rosette base
• Perfect For: Cottage gardens, back of borders, walls and fences, wildlife gardens, cutting gardens
• Foliage: Large, rounded, lobed mid-green leaves
• Flowering Time: Mid-summer to early autumn
• Flower Colour: Mixed
• Planting Position: Full sun
• Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Maintenance: Stake in exposed spots, deadhead, and remove leaves affected by rust
• Seasonal Interest: Summer and autumn
• Type: Hardy biennial or short-lived perennial