ollyhock (alcea rosea) is a flowering plant with cup-shaped white, purple, pink, red, and yellow blooms that grows on tall spikes. Hollyhock blooms bloom for a long time and are excellent landscape plants because of their tall stature. Hollyhocks are easy to grow from seed and produce short-lived perennials or biennials.
They’re excellent low-maintenance landscape plants for cottage gardens, mixed flower beds, and to make a colorful flowering living fence. Their vibrant hues make them ideal choices.
Hollyhock rust, a kind of fungal foliage disease, can affect hollyhocks even though they are simple to raise in the garden. Nonetheless, you may easily enjoy the gorgeous pastel hollyhock blooms in your summer garden with proper care. This article includes everything you need to know about growing a variety of hollyhocks. Further, selecting the finest plants for your garden landscape will be aided by descriptions and photographs of hollyhock flowers.
Hollyhock Facts
Hollyhock plants are commonly used to grow along flower beds or against walls because they are tall. Light green, spherical, lobed leaves with long stems at the ends distinguish the tall, upright plants. The bright cup or funnel-shaped blooms that grow alone or in groups are a highlight of hollyhocks.
In USDA zones 3 to 9, Hollyhocks grow best in gardens and containers. Hollyhock plants may be annuals, biennials, or short-lived perennials depending on the climate. Hollyhock types, on the other hand, are mostly biennials. As a result, the plant has a two-year life cycle: foliage develops in the first year, flowers bloom in the second year, and finally the plant dies. Because they are self-seeding, some hollyhocks become perennial plants. The seeds that have fallen to the ground begin to grow as one plant dies. The flowering hollyhock plants bloom quickly and reach maturity in a single season.
Seeds are used to reproduce hollyhocks. When seeds fall from spent blossoms, they are reseeded. During the winter, the Alcea plants die back. If you cut the stalks back to the ground and protect the roots from frost, hollyhocks will bloom year after year in warm climates. Hollyhocks may be grown as annuals in cold areas.
Hollyhock flowering spires can grow up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall. Hibiscus flowers or Rose of Sharon flowers are similar to the vibrant pink, white, red, yellow, or purple blooms. A single stalk may have up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) of blooming growth, and the blooming section might be up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) long. Hollyhocks are suited to grow behind flower beds, along fences and walls, or staked in order to prevent the long stalks from snapping in the wind due to their tall height.
Hollyhock Flowers
Single or double blooms may be seen on hollyhock flowers, which are cup-shaped and vibrant. The large blooms are 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) broad. Pink, red, yellow, purple, and white blooms may be found on hollyhock plants. A gorgeous hollyhock plant with black blossoms grows nearby.
Hollyhock blooms develop along the length of upright stems in most types. Only the top 24 inches (60 cm) of the stalk blooms on certain varieties. In summer gardens, the towering tapering blossoming spires provide stunning backdrops.
When Do Hollyhocks Bloom?
From June through August, hollyhock flowers are in bloom. Hollyhocks produce flowers the second year after they have first grown as biennials. The blooming season of hollyhock can be lengthened by deadheading. You may enjoy the magnificent flowers until the first frost by removing spent blooms throughout the fall.
Hollyhock Seeds
Harvest the seeds from dried-up flowers as early as August 1st, or collect seed pods (left) and seeds (right). Seed-grown Hollyhock plants are simple to establish. Six to nine weeks before the last frost date, start the seeds indoors. The seeds will take around 14 days to germinate if they are grown in a moist, well-draining potting mix. You may plant germinated hollyhock seedlings in a sunny area of your yard once the threat of frost has passed.
Hollyhock Leaves
Hollyhock leaves have five to seven lobes and are large, rounded leaves with a palmate or scalloped form. Hollyhock leaves are 2″ to 3″ (5 to 7.5 cm) across, on average. Hollyhocks have broad circular leathery leaves with long stems (petioles) that are an identifying feature.
Brown-orange leaf spots known as hollyhock rust are a frequent problem with hollyhock leaves. Excessive moisture in the earth or very humid circumstances are common causes of this fungal blight. Moreover, if the plants grow too close together, hollyhock rust foliage damage can result due to insufficient air circulation.
Growing Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are easy to grow in your front or back yard and produce stunning blooms. Plenty of sunlight and fertile, moist, well-draining soil are the two most important things to consider when growing hollyhocks. Hollyhocks need little attention after being planted until they bloom throughout the summer and fall.
How to plant hollyhock seeds: Nine weeks before the last frost date, sow hollyhock seeds in a light, soilless potting mix (perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss are ideal). Indoors, seedlings take two weeks to sprout and may stretch for up to five weeks. Rather, a week before the final frost date, you can plant hollyhock seeds directly in the ground. Plant 3″ to 6″ (7.5 – 15 cm) apart with seeds 1″ (2.5 cm) deep in the soil.
When to plant hollyhock seeds in the ground: After the risk of frost has passed, move hollyhocks outdoors when starting seeds indoors. To allow for adequate air circulation, place the tiny plants 2 feet (60 cm) apart. The biennials will grow tall and produce foliage during their first year. The following year, the blooming begins.
Where to plant hollyhock flowers: Full sun is ideal for hollyhock plants, although they may tolerate some light shade. Plants are drought tolerant, but thrive in moist soil. It’s critical to keep them safe from wind damage because of their height. Planting hollyhocks along a fence, wall, or using stakes to support them is the best location.
Planting the flowers a foot (0.3 m) apart to avoid hollyhock rust is advised. This prevents humidity from deteriorating the foliage’s look since there is plenty of air circulation.
Growing Hollyhocks in Containers
If the container is big enough, hollyhocks can thrive in it. For tall varieties, a large barrel-like container should suffice. A container with a depth of 16 inches (40 cm) and a diameter of 24 inches (60 cm) is recommended for dwarf hollyhock plants.
The taproot system of hollyhocks is rather large, and they need plenty of space to develop. A loose, well-drained potting medium is required for hollyhock plants to thrive in containers. A mixture of one part peat moss, one part loamy soil, and one part perlite is ideal for growing potted hollyhocks. This potting soil ensures that there is enough moisture in the soil while also allowing it to drain well.
Top tip for growing hollyhock in containers: Potted hollyhock plants need to be watered more often than those in the ground, so remember that.
Types of Hollyhock Flowers (With Pictures)
Now, let’s look at some of the greatest instances of hollyhock flowers in more depth. The best tall flowering landscaping plants for your garden may be chosen based on pictures and descriptions of the round, cup-like vibrant flowers.
Hollyhock ‘Blacknight’ (Alcea rosea ‘Blacknight’)
Hollyhock ‘Blacknight’ has dramatic black funnel-shaped blooms that grow on tall, upright spikes and give a dramatic effect to a landscaped garden. The huge 6-foot (1.8-meter) flowering stalk is home to the gorgeous black blooms, which are 4 inches (10 cm) across.
This hollyhock has a 2-foot-wide (0.6-meter) spread. The Spotlight series of hollyhocks includes Hollyhock ‘Blacknight.’ These tall plants, which do not self-seed in the garden, grow as tender perennials or annuals. USDA zones 3 to 9 are ideal for growing lovely cottage garden flowers, which prefer full sun.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Hollyhock Flower Color: Deep purple to black
Hollyhock ‘Mars Magic’
The perfect plant for walls and fences is Hollyhock ‘Mars Magic,’ which has pale yellowish centers in its gorgeous red funnel-shaped blossoms. The 4″ (10 cm) broad hibiscus-like blooms appear on long flowering stalks and are papery hardy. The blooming stalk bears solitary cup flowers that emerge at the bottom.
Hollyhock ‘Mars Magic’ is a vigorous perennial plant that grows to be 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) tall and 2 feet (60 centimeters) broad. Its self-seeding nature, like that of many hollyhock varieties, can be invasive in some places. The Spotlight Hollyhock series includes Hollyhock ‘Mars Magic.’
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Hollyhock Flower Color: Vibrant bright red
Hollyhock ‘Halo Cerise’
Hollyhock ‘Halo Cerise’ has gorgeous deep pink blooms that resemble an open funnel. The halo-like cerise pink border of the petals, as well as the deep purple center, are named after this Alcea rosea hollyhock. ‘Halo Cerise’ hollyhock flowers grow to be 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) tall and 2 feet (60 cm) broad when planted along a wall or fence.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
Hollyhock Flower Color: Cerise or magenta pink and dark purple
Hollyhock ‘Spring Celebrities Carmine Rose’
The ruffled double blooms of Althaea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Carmine Rose’ are among the garden’s most spectacular. Ruffled, double blooms in a rosy-red color characterize the Carmine Rose hollyhock variety. In garden settings, these frilly crimson blooms produce striking floral spikes. Hollyhock is a low-growing perennial plant that grows 2 to 2.5 feet (60 to 80 cm) tall and 1 to 1.5 feet (30 to 45 cm) broad in the spring. Container or small, compact gardens are ideal for growing this dwarf hollyhock.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Hollyhock Flower Color: Pinkish red
Hollyhock ‘Spring Celebrities White’
Hollyhock is a dwarf, short-lived perennial with showy snow-white blooms that blooms in the spring. The huge palmate to oval leaves contrast with the double blooms and ruffled petals, which are stunning. This showy white hollyhock is ideal for cultivating in containers because of its short stature.
USDA zones 6 to 9 are ideal for the white ‘Spring Celebrities’ hollyhock. At 2 to 2.5 feet (60 to 80 cm) tall and 1.5 feet (45 cm) broad, the flowering brilliant white blooming spikes mature.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Hollyhock Flower Color: Brilliant white
Hollyhock ‘Spring Celebrities Purple’
‘Spring Purple’ blooms are spectacular showy purple blooms with five wide crepe-like petals and wavy edges. The tiny petals protruding from pale yellow stamens in the center are an uncommon characteristic of purple hollyhock blooms.
The purple kind grows up to 2.5 feet (80 cm) tall and 1.5 feet (45 cm) broad, as do other types of hollyhocks in the ‘Spring Celebrities’ series. For this short-lived perennial to flourish, plant it in USDA zones 6 to 9 and in full sun.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Hollyhock Flower Color: Dark magenta to deep purple
Hollyhock Alcea rosea ‘Pleniflora’ Yellow
The yellow-flowered hollyhock Alcea rosea ‘Pleniflora’ has lovely double blooms with ruffled petals. It’s simple to mistake the ‘Pleniflora’ for showy yellow carnation blooms when looking at photographs of them. The lovely flowers contrast, however, with the green heart-shaped leaves. For best results, plant ‘Pleniflora’ hollyhocks in USDA zones 3 to 8 and full sun.
When planting in the garden, space the tallest plants at least 2.2 feet (0.7 meters) apart. Cottage gardens, front gardens, and concealing a fence or wall are all good uses for these flowers.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: Mid-summer
Hollyhock Flower Color: Bright yellow or pale yellow
Antwerp Hollyhock (Alcea ficifolia)
The Antwerp hollyhock is a lovely specimen of a vigorous blooming plant that might be found in your garden. Showy, single blooms in peach, pink, yellow, and red hues make this biennial short-lived perennial. The Antwerp hollyhock grows to be 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall and 2 feet (0.6 meters) broad in USDA zones 3 to 10. Rust-resistant large lobed green leaves that don’t succumb to fungal diseases. As a result, the Antwerp Fig Leaf Hollyhock is another name for this plant.Hollyhock Flower
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall
Hollyhock Flower Color: Burgundy, peach, pink, red, and yellow hues
‘Chater’s Double’ Hollyhock Scarlet
This stunning back-of-the-border tall blooming hollyhock has deep red fluffy double blossoms and is known as Chater’s Double. The little lobed green leaves contrast with the huge, showy, ruffled wine-red blooms. The biennial grows to 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall and 18 inches (0.45 meters) broad, and is a short-lived perennial.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
Hollyhock Flower Color: Scarlet red
‘Chater’s Double’ Hollyhock White
Hollyhock ‘Chater’s Double’ white variety has stunning tall spikes full of crepe-textured showy blooms, which are covered with flower. The double blooms work great as cut flowers and create a lovely, romantic floral arrangement. Despite the fact that this hollyhock variant is a short-lived perennial, it will reproduce and bloom for many years due to its self-seeding nature.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Hollyhock Flower Color: Pure white
Indian Spring Hollyhock
Indian Spring hollyhock features crepe-paper petals and a star-shaped center and produces beautiful colorful disc-shaped blooms. The Indian Spring flowers in its first season, unlike biennial hollyhocks. When the big bright pink, white, rose-salmon, or red petals are in bloom throughout the summer, pollinators are attracted. The blooms are 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) broad and range in color from white to purple.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: All summer long
Hollyhock Flower Color: Pink petals with white shades, as well as other colors
Creme de Cassis Hollyhock
The cream de Cassis hollyhock is one of the most spectacular blooming hollyhocks available. The huge round purple blossoms reach 4″ (10 cm) broad and cover 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m) of flower stalks. The pale purple or white ring around the lovely purple blooms, as well as the light yellow center, are deep veining patterns.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: Early spring through early autumn
Hollyhock Flower Color: Purple and white flowers
Brilliant Miniature Hollyhock
Miniature hollyhocks have vividly colored five-petaled red, pink, or purple blooms with yellow centers and are available in brilliant miniature form. In full sun, the open petals have a satiny sheen. These robust, short-stemmed blooming stalks can grow up to 40 inches (1 m) tall and don’t need support.
The botanical name for miniature hollyhocks is Sidalcea hybrida, which means “prairie mallows.” Yet, due to their resemblance to blooms in the genus Alcea, they are known as hollyhocks. For container gardens, borders, and large plantings, this is ideal.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall
Hollyhock Flower Color: Red and deep pink are the most popular colors
Pink Bristly Hollyhock (Alcea setosa)
Bristly hollyhock (Alcea setosa) has lovely funnel-shaped pink flowers that rise on tall, thin hairy stems. The tall flowering stalks may grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall. These blooms appear to be hardy hibiscus blooms because of their open, bright pink color and dark purple throat. In the flower’s center, there is also a protruding yellow stamen. The bristly hairs that cover the stems and leaves give Alcea setosa its common name.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: From late spring until mid-summer
Hollyhock Flower Color: Pink, dark pink, and purple
‘Russian Beauty’ Hollyhock
Beautiful, showy funnel blooms made up of thin papery petals characterize the Russian Beauty hollyhock. The yellow-flowered plant with huge frilly blooms is the most striking variety of Russian Beauty hollyhock. Deep maroon, pink, and burgundy are other popular hollyhock colors in the United States.
Hollyhock Flower Bloom Time: All summer and into fall
Hollyhock Flower Color: Lemon-yellow as well as other colors