Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) – buy online
Hollyhock is a true garden classic. With tall flower spikes and large blooms, it has brightened walls, fences and cottage gardens for generations. Botanically known as Alcea rosea, hollyhock comes in a wide range of colours, from white and yellow to pink, red and deep, almost-black purple.
Originally from regions such as Turkey and Palestine, hollyhock has long proved itself well suited to north-west European gardens. Give it plenty of sun and well-drained soil and you’ll be rewarded with a strong, dependable summer bloomer.
Position and flowering
Hollyhocks thrive in warm, sunny spots. A position against a wall or fence is often ideal: it provides shelter from wind and holds the day’s warmth. Flowering typically runs from June to August. The blooms open gradually up the stem, so the plant keeps its decorative value for weeks. Bees and bumblebees are drawn to the prominent flowers, making hollyhock a welcome addition to wildlife-friendly borders.
Despite their height (often up to 2 metres), hollyhocks take up little ground space, so they work well in small gardens and city plots. They can also be grown in large containers, provided you choose a sturdy pot and add support.
Planting hollyhocks
The best time to plant is spring, allowing the roots to establish before summer. If planting several, leave around 50 cm between plants for light and airflow. Good air circulation also helps reduce issues such as rust.
Choose free-draining soil—hollyhocks dislike waterlogged ground. In containers, ensure drainage holes are clear and consider adding a cane or support frame as the stems rise.
Care and pruning
Hollyhocks are low maintenance. Regular pruning isn’t required. After flowering, the plant dies back above ground and grows again the following season. You may remove spent flower spikes for a tidier look. Hollyhocks also self-seed readily, often reappearing in the garden in a natural, informal way.
