Hollyhock ( alcea rosea ) is a species of flower garden plants with colorful white-hot , purple , pinkish , red , and yellow cupful - shaped flowers growing on magniloquent spikes . Hollyhock flowers have a foresightful blooming season , and their tall growth makes them useful landscaping plants . Easy to grow from ejaculate , hollyhocks grow as short - lived perennials or biennial . Their brightly colored flowers make them ideallow - sustainment landscape plantsfor cottage garden , mixed bloom bed , or to make a colorful floweringliving fencing .

Although hollyhocks are easy to originate in the garden , they can be affect by hollyhock rust — a case of fungal leaf disease . However , with proper fear , you may easily enjoy the beautiful pastel shades of hollyhock flowers in your summer garden .

This article is a terminated template to growing various types of hollyhock . In accession , descriptions and pictures of hollyhock efflorescence will help you choose the best plants for your garden landscape .

Hollyhock Facts

Since hollyhock plants are tall , they are desirable for spring up at the back of prime beds or along walls

Hollyhock is the mutual name of plants in the genusAlceaand familyMalvaceae . The improbable , tumid plant are identify by light immature , round , lobed leaves growing on the oddment of foresightful stems . The attractive feature of hollyhocks is the colourful cupful or funnel - shaped peak spring up solitary or in clusters .

hollyhock thrive in garden and container in USDA zone 3 to 9 . look on the clime , althaea plants farm as annuals , biennial , or short - lived perennial . However , most hollyhock variety are biennial . This means they have a two - yr life history Hz — leafage grows during the first year , peak seem in the second yr , and then the plant exit .

Some hollyhocks acquire as perennials because they are self - seeding . As one plant decease , the source that have dropped to the ground start out grow . Their rapid emergence means the flowering hollyhock plants reach maturity in a individual season .

hollyhock multiply through seeds . The reseeding claim place when seeds drop from worn-out flowers . TheAlceaplants kick the bucket back in the winter . In warm climate , hollyhock will bloom year after year if you cut the stalks back to the land and protect the roots from Robert Lee Frost . In cold climates , you could mature hollyhocks as yearly .

Hollyhock blossom spires develop between 5 and 9 foot . ( 1.5 – 2.7 m ) magniloquent . The vibrant pink , white , crimson , sensationalistic , or empurpled heyday attend like hibiscus prime orRose of Sharon peak . Dozens of bloom can get on a single stem , and the flowering part of the husk can evaluate up to 2 foot . ( 0.6 m ) .

Due to their tall height , hollyhock are ideal for mature at the back of heyday beds , along fences and walls , or staked to foreclose the long stalks from tear in the wind .

Hollyhock Flowers

Hollyhock flowers can be single or duple blooms

Hollyhock flowers are identify by loving cup - shaped vivacious blooms that are individual or double - flower varieties . The beautiful flowers grow 3 ” to 4 ” ( 7.5 – 10 atomic number 96 ) across . Flowers growing on hollyhock plants can be shade of pinkish , red , yellow , purple , and white . There is also a spectacular hollyhock industrial plant with black flowers .

In most varieties , hollyhock peak grow along the length of the upright stems . On some type , only the top 24 ” ( 60 cm ) of the stalking blooms .   The tall tapering flowering spire make dramatic , colourful backdrops in summertime gardens .

When Do Hollyhocks Bloom?

althea flowers bloom during the warm summer months from June until August . Because althea turn as biennials , the flowers bloom during the 2nd yr of growth . Deadheading can help to go hollyhock ’s flower season . By dispatch played out bloom , you could delight the spectacular flowers through fall and until the first frost .

Hollyhock Seeds

Hollyhock seed pod ( left ) and seeds ( good )

Hollyhocks self - cum , or you could harvest the seeds from dry - out flowers from the kickoff of August . althea plants are easy to grow from seeds . Start the seeds indoors about six to nine weeks before the last frost date . grow in a moist , well - draining potting commixture will take about 14 days for the seminal fluid to sprout .

After the risk of rime has pass , you may plant pullulate hollyhock seedlings in a cheery part of your garden .

Hollyhock Leaves

Hollyhock depart

Hollyhock leaves are gravid , rounded leaves in a palmate or scollop Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe with five to seven lobes . Leaves on althaea plants evaluate 2 ” to 3 ” ( 5 – 7.5 cm ) across . An identifying feature film of hollyhocks is the declamatory round leathery leave growing on foresightful fore ( petioles ) .

A common progeny with hollyhock leaves is brown - orange leaf spots called hollyhock rust . This fungal disease typically occurs if there is too much moisture in the undercoat or super humid conditions . In addition , hollyhock rust fungus foliage price can occur due to pathetic atmosphere circulation if the plants grow too close together .

Hollyhock rust

Growing Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks ( Alcea rosea ) are telling flowering plants that are easy to grow in your front or backyard . The two most essential aspects when growing hollyhocks is plenty of temperateness and fertile , dampish , well - draining ground . After planting , hollyhocks require minimum care tobloom throughout the summeruntil fall .

How to plant althaea seed : Sow hollyhock seeded player in a light , soilless pot mix ( perlite , vermiculite and peat moss are ideal ) indoors about nine calendar week before the last hoarfrost date . The seedlings take two weeks to shoot and should grow for at least another five weeks indoors .

Alternatively , you may plant althea seeds direct in the flat coat a week before the last frost date . Put the seeds 1 ” ( 2.5 atomic number 96 ) in the territory and plant 3 ” to 6 ” ( 7.5 – 15 cm ) apart .

When to plant althea semen in the ground : When start seeds indoors , transfer hollyhocks to the garden after the risk of rime has passed . Plant the small plants 2 ft . ( 60 atomic number 96 ) aside to allow plenty of air circulation . During the first class , the biennials will develop tall and grow foliage . Blooming takes station the following twelvemonth .

Where to engraft hollyhock heyday : Hollyhock flora grow best in full sunlight but can tolerate light shade . The plant are comparatively drought tolerant but acquire best in dampish soil . Due to their tiptop , it ’s critical to protect them from current of air damage . The best place to plant hollyhocks is along a fencing , wall or provide backup with stakes .

To preclude althaea rust fungus , it ’s best to plant the flowers between 1 and 2 ft . ( 0.3 – 0.6 meter ) apart . This reserve for plenty of aura circulation and preclude humidity from destroying the foliage ’s appearance .

Growing Hollyhocks in Containers

Hollyhocks grow well in containers if the container is turgid enough . A large drum - same container should be sufficient for magniloquent varieties . For dwarf althaea plants , select a container 16 ” ( 40 cm ) thick and 24 ” ( 60 cm ) in diam . Hollyhocks have an extensive taproot system that needs room to grow .

For althaea plants to thrive in containers , using a loose , well - debilitate potting mix is vital . A suitable grime for potted hollyhocks is a combination of one partpeat moss , one part loamy soil , andone part perlite . This potting mix ensures equal wet holding and excellent drainage .

Top wind for produce althaea in containers : Remember that pot hollyhock plant involve more frequent lacrimation than those growing in the priming coat .

Types of Hollyhock Flowers (With Pictures)

allow ’s look in more detail at some of the best examples of hollyhock flowers . Pictures and descriptions of the rotund , cup - like vibrant flowers will avail you choose thebest tall efflorescence landscape gardening plantsfor your garden .

Hollyhock ‘Blacknight’ (Alcea rosea‘Blacknight’)

Hollyhock ‘ Blacknight ’ establish dramatic look to a landscaped garden

Hollyhock ‘ Blacknight ’ has dramaticblack , funnel - shape flowersgrowing on improbable , tumid spike . ‘ Blacknight ’ althea flowers are single flower with papery deep purple - ignominious flower petal . The spectacular black bloom measure 4 ” ( 10 centimeter ) across and grow around the 6 - foot ( 1.8 - m ) tall florescence stem . This hollyhock species grows 2 ft . ( 0.6 m ) wide .

Hollyhock ‘ Blacknight ’ belong to theSpotlighthollyhock series . These tall plant grow as ship’s boat perennials or annuals , not biennials , and self - seed in the garden . The delightful cottage garden peak thrive in USDA zones 3 to 9 and grow respectable in full sun .

Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time : Mid to late summer

Hollyhock Flower Color : bass purple to black

Hollyhock ‘Mars Magic’

Hollyhock ‘ Mars Magic ’ with its beautiful red flowers is ideal works along walls and fences

‘ Mars Magic ’ hollyhock hasbrilliant ruby funnel shape - determine flowerswith wan yellowish center of attention . The paperyhardy hibiscus - alike flowersmeasure 4 ” ( 10 atomic number 96 ) across and grow profusely on grandiloquent flowering spikes . The cup prime are single bloom get from the base of the flowering still hunt .

Hollyhock ‘ Mars Magic ’ is a vigorous perennial plant that develop 5 to 6 ft . ( 1.5 – 1.8 m ) in high spirits and 2 ft . ( 60 cm ) astray . As with many varieties of althea , its ego - seeding nature can become invasive in some places .

Hollyhock ‘ Mars Magic ’ belong to theSpotlighthollyhock series .

Hollyhock Flower Color : Vibrant burnished flushed

Hollyhock ‘Halo Cerise’

Alcea rosea ’ Halo Cerise ’

Hollyhock ‘ Halo Cerise ’ hasbeautiful deep pink flowersshaped like an candid funnel shape . The name of thisAlcea roseahollyhock—‘Halo Cerise’—comes from the halo - alike carmine pink margin of the flower petal and the deep purple center . The estimable place to establish these bloom is along a wall or fencing .

‘ Halo Cerise ’ althea flowers grow 5 to 6 foot . ( 1.5 – 1.8 m ) marvelous and 2 foot . ( 60 cm ) wide .

Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time : early on to mid - summer

Hollyhock Flower Color : Cerise or Battle of Magenta pink and dark purple

Hollyhock ‘Spring Celebrities Carmine Rose’

Althaea rosea ‘ Spring Celebrities Carmine Rose ’ has ruffled double efflorescence

Hollyhock flowers in the ‘ Spring Celebrities ’ serial are some of the showy flowers in the garden . The ‘ Carmine Rose ’ hollyhock variety has ruffled , double flower that are a rose-cheeked - red color . The teemingness of these frilly red flower creates optic - catching floral spikes in garden landscapes .

Hollyhock ‘ Spring Celebrities Carmine Rose ’ is a short - lived perennial , low - growing plant that is 2 to 2.5 ft . ( 60 – 80 cm ) magniloquent and 1 to 1.5 foot . ( 30 – 45 atomic number 96 ) astray . This nanus hollyhock is idealistic for growing in container or small , compact gardens .

Hollyhock Flower Color : pink Marxist

Hollyhock ‘Spring Celebrities White’

Hollyhock ‘ Spring Celebrities White ’ is a midget , short - lived perennial withshowy Charles Percy Snow - white peak . The double blooms and ruffled petals look dramatic , contrasting with the gravid palmate to oval leave . Prized for its brusque stature , this showy white hollyhock is perfect for growing in container .

The lily-white ‘ Spring Celebrities ’ althea thrives in USDA zones 6 to 9 . The flowering brilliant lily-white florescence spikes suppurate at 2 to 2.5 ft . ( 60 – 80 centimeter ) high and a bedspread of 1.5 foot . ( 45 cm ) wide .

Hollyhock Flower Color : Brilliant white

Hollyhock ‘Spring Celebrities Purple’

Hollyhock ‘ Spring Celebrities Purple ’ flower are eye - catching jazzy purple flowers with five unspecific crepe - like petals and crinkled edges . Anunusual feature of the over-embellished hollyhock flowersis the small petal maturate from pallid yellow stamens in the centre .

Like other variety of hollyhocks in the ‘ Spring Celebrities ’ series , the purple variety grows up to 2.5 ft . ( 80 cm ) tall and 1.5 foot . ( 45 centimeter ) wide . Plant in USDA geographical zone 6 to 9 and full Lord’s Day for this short - lived perennial to thrive .

Hollyhock Flower Color : Dark Battle of Magenta to deep purpleness

HollyhockAlcea rosea‘Pleniflora’ Yellow

Alcea rosea ‘ Pleniflora ’ yellow

The yellow - blossom ‘ Pleniflora ’ althaea has showy double blooms with ruffled flower petal . Looking at pictures of the ‘ Pleniflora , ’ it ’s easy to mistake them for showyyellow carnation flower . However , the delightful blush contrast with green , centre - shaped leaves . develop this short - lived perennial in USDA zone 3 to 8 and full sun for best results .

‘ Pleniflora ’ hollyhocks grow up to 8 ft . ( 2.5 m ) grandiloquent . Space the tall plants at least 2.2 foot . ( 0.7 m ) apart when planting them in the garden . These prime are idealistic for bungalow gardens , front garden , or to hide out a fence or wall .

Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time : Mid - summer

Hollyhock Flower Color : brightly chickenhearted or pallid yellow

Antwerp Hollyhock (Alcea ficifolia)

Antwerpen hollyhocks add up in a miscellany of colours

The Antwerp hollyhock is a beautiful example of a vigorous flowering plant for your garden . This biennial , short - lived perennial has showy , single blooms in peach , pink , yellow , and scarlet colors . Grow the Antwerp althea plant in USDA zones 3 to 10 , where it reaches 8 foot . ( 2.4 m ) tall and 2 ft . ( 0.6 m ) wide .

The large lobed green leaves are rust - resistive and do n’t yield to fungal diseases . Therefore , this plant life is also called the Antwerp Fig Leaf althea .

Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time : Mid - summer to fall

Hollyhock Flower Color : Various shades of burgundy , peach , pinkish , ruddy , and lily-livered

‘Chater’s Double’ Hollyhock Scarlet

This spectacular back - of - the - border improbable blossoming hollyhock has deep red fluffy - appear duple blooms . The extremely great , showy , ruffled , wine - red flowers counterpoint with the small lobed dark-green leaves . The short - dwell recurrent grows as a biennial and reaches 7 ft . ( 2.1 m ) tall and 18 ” ( 0.45 m ) wide .

Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time : Mid - summertime to early declination

Hollyhock Flower Color : Scarlet red

‘Chater’s Double’ Hollyhock White

Hollyhock ‘ Chater ’s Double ’ bloodless variety has spectacular magniloquent ear filled with French pancake - textured showy flowers . The bivalent blossom create an graceful , romantic flowered display and work well as cut bloom . Although this hollyhock variety is a short - exist perennial , its ego - seeding nature means it will uprise and flower for many years .

Hollyhock Flower Color : Pure bloodless

Indian Spring Hollyhock

Indian Spring althea

Indian Spring althea produce bedaze colored phonograph recording - shaped flowers with crape - paper petals and a hotshot - mold center . Unlike biennial althaea , the Indian Spring blooms in its first time of year . The big vivid pink , white , rosiness - salmon , or scarlet flower petal pull pollinators when in bloom throughout the summertime . The hollyhock flowers measure 2 ” to 4 ” ( 5 – 10 cm ) wide .

Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time : All summer long

Hollyhock Flower Color : Pink petals with snowy shades , as well as other colours

Creme de Cassis Hollyhock

Creme de Cassis hollyhock

One of the most spectacular blossoming hollyhock is the ‘ Creme de Cassis ’ variety . The expectant oval , saucer - like purple flowersgrow up to 4 ” ( 10 cm ) wide and encompass flower spikes assess 4 to 6 ft . ( 1.2 – 1.8 grand ) marvellous . The attractive purple flowers have a pallid purplish or white hoop tolerance , wan scandalmongering center , and deep vein patterns .

Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time : Early summertime until early fall

Hollyhock Flower Color : royal and white efflorescence

Brilliant Miniature Hollyhock

bright miniature althaea

Miniature hollyhocks have abundant pocket-sized cupful - shaped flower that have vibrantly color in five - petaled red , pinkish or purple heyday with yellow centers . The open flower petal have a satiny finishing and seem to shine in full sun . These stout , short - growing unfolding spikes rise around 40 ” ( 1 m ) tall and do n’t need spikes to grow tumid .

Miniature althea are also called prairie mallow and have the botanical nameSidalcea hybrida . However , they get the common name hollyhocks for their resemblance to bloom in the genusAlcea . Ideal for planting in containers , borders , or mass plantings .

Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time : former summer to early crepuscle

Hollyhock Flower Color : Red and deep pink are the most popular gloss

Pink Bristly Hollyhock (Alcea setosa)

Bristly hollyhock has magnificent pinkish funnel shape - shaped flowers grow on long , thin hairy stems . The foresightful flowering stalks develop up to 10 foot . ( 3 m ) tall . The heart-to-heart , clear pinkish flowers have a deep pink to regal pharynx , making these flowers look like hardy hibiscus flower . There is also a protruding scandalmongering stamen in the flower ’s center .

The usual name ofAlcea setosacomes from the burry hair that cover the stems and leaves .

Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time : From recent leap until mid - summertime

Hollyhock Flower Color : Pink , dark garden pink , and majestic

‘Russian Beauty’ Hollyhock

‘ Russian Beauty ’ hollyhock

‘ Russian Beauty ’ hollyhocks have beautiful , flamboyant funnel shape flowers consisting of thin papery petals . The most outstanding variety of ‘ Russian Beauty ’ althaea is the yellow - flowered plant life with large frilly blooms . Other popular colors of ‘ Russian Beauty ’ hollyhocks are mystifying maroon , pink and burgundy .

‘ Russian Beauty ’ hollyhocks thrive in USA zone 4 to 8 and grow up to 8 ft . ( 2.4 m ) marvellous and 2.5 foot . ( 7.5 m ) wide .

Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time : All summertime and into fall

Hollyhock Flower Color : Lemon - yellow as well as other colors

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