Alcea rosea

Malvaceae

Hollyhock

Upright biennial to 60cm, usually grown as an annual. The lobed leaves are rough, rounded and pale green. The flowers range in colour from yellow, pink and cream to purple, and can have either single or double petals. The flower spikes can be up to 2m high, occurring during summer-autumn.

Uses

Flowering annual suitable for cottage gardens and as a bedding plant.

Culture

Hollyhock requires full sun, well-drained soil and prefers a cool climate.

Propagation

Propagate by seed.

Cultivars

'Chatter's Double'

'Mars Magic'

'Queeny' (many colours available)

'Queeny Purple'

A.r. var. nigra 'The Watchman'

'White'

 

Plant Health

Susceptible to rust fungus.

More info

Plant Identification, Landscape Design and Home Garden Expert courses are available through Australian Correspondence Schools, see http://www.acs.edu.au/hort Courses on growing Annual plants are available through Australian Correspondence Schools, see http://www.acs.edu.au/hort

More from ACS