How do you care for Alcea rosea?

Water flowering hollyhocks deeply every week when they’re in bloom. Water first-year plants and nonflowering mature ones every two weeks or monthly. Saturate the soil to a depth of 2 feet. Water from beneath to avoid wetting the rust-susceptible foliage.

What is the common name for Alcea rosea?

hollyhocks
Alcea rosea, commonly called hollyhocks, are old garden favorites. The flowers grow on rigid, towering spikes or spires which typically reach a height of 5-8′ tall and usually do not require staking.

Do hollyhocks come up year after year?

Hollyhocks are easy to grow from seed in spring. Alternatively, sow seed in summer, and plant out in autumn. These plants should flower the following year.

Is Alcea rosea invasive?

Commonly white, pink, red, or yellow, the flowers are 7.5 cm (3 inches) or more across and are borne along the upper portion of the stem. The plants readily reseed and are considered invasive species in some areas outside their native range. Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) in flower.

How tall do Alcea grow?

Hollyhocks can reach over 2m (6.5ft), so if they are growing in an exposed position, give each plant a stake for support.

Where should I plant hollyhocks?

Plant in a well-draining area with full sun to partial shade. Due to their height, protect from damaging winds and provide support such as a fence, wall, trellis or stake. Hollyhocks will readily self-seed if left to their own devices, so locate them in an area where this won’t be a nuisance.

What do hollyhocks symbolize?

Hollyhocks symbolize the circle of life, ambition, fertility, and abundance. They have traditionally been planted near the front door of homes to welcome prosperity. Egyptians frequently placed wreaths of hollyhocks with the mummified to help them in their journey to the afterlife.

How many varieties of hollyhocks are there?

60 species
Native to Egypt, Europe and Asia, Alcea, commonly called hollyhock, is a genus of more than 60 species of annual, biennial or tender perennial flowering plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae).

How many years do hollyhocks last?

First of all, hollyhocks are a short lived perennial. This means that most varieties will only live two to three years. Their lifespan can be extended some by removing growing hollyhock flowers as soon as they fade.

Are hollyhocks weeds?

Wild hollyhock, Sidalcea virgata, also called Cusick’s checkermallow, is a native wildflower or weed that is endemic to, and endangered in, the Pacific Northwest, according to the Washington State University Extension.

Do hollyhocks transplant well?

Hollyhock does not divide well as it has a tap root which is easily damaged in transplanting. To propagate allow some flowers to go to seed and move any seedlings where you want them when they are small.

Is Alcea Hardy?

A short lived, hardy perennial or biennial, that makes a big impact in the garden. This classic cottage garden favourite is available in a wide range of colours and makes a stunning backdrop for beds and borders.