Alcea, commonly known as hollyhocks, are stately plants native to Asia and Europe. Renowned for their towering spikes of vibrant blooms, they're a staple in cottage gardens.
Alcea, commonly known as hollyhocks, are tall, stately plants cultivated for centuries for their large, colorful blooms. They are biennials or short-lived perennials, displaying towering spikes of flowers ranging from whites and pastels to deep reds, purples, and even blacks.
Native: Hollyhocks are native to Asia and Europe, specifically southwestern and central China regions. Over time, they have been cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world due to their ornamental value. They belong to the Malvaceae family, including plants like mallow, hibiscus, and linden. There are about 80 species in the Alcea genus, but Alcea rosea is the most commonly cultivated species.
Description: Hollyhocks are classic garden plants known for their tall spikes adorned with large, colorful blooms. They bring vertical elegance to gardens, standing out with their hues ranging from whites and pastels to deep reds and purples.
Growth Habit: Hollyhocks are biennial or short-lived perennial plants. They produce a rosette of leaves in the first year, followed by the flowering spike in the second year. They grow upright with tall, sturdy stems that can become quite woody at the base.
Size: Depending on the species and growing conditions, hollyhocks can reach heights of 5-8 feet (150-180 cm). They typically spread to about 1-2 feet wide (30-60 cm).
Flowers: The flowers of Alcea are its crowning glory. These large, saucer-shaped blooms can be single or double and come in various colors. They are arranged along the tall stem in a spike-like fashion.
Blooming Season: Depending on the specific variety and local climate conditions, the blooming period can start as early as June and extend into August or even September.
Fruit: After flowering, hollyhocks produce a schizocarp fruit, which breaks apart to release the seeds. This allows the plant to self-seed readily.
Foliage: The leaves are large, lobed, and often slightly fuzzy. They are usually a deep green color and have a rough texture.
Hardiness: They are hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Uses: Hollyhocks are primarily grown for ornamental purposes. They work well at the back of borders, along fences, or as a standalone feature in cottage gardens. They’ve also historically been used for medicinal purposes.
Pollinators: Hollyhocks are attractive to various pollinators, especially bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are drawn to their large, nectar-rich flowers.
Toxicity: Hollyhocks are generally considered non-toxic to humans, but like many plants, they can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Deer and Rabbit: Hollyhocks are usually not the first choice for deer and rabbits; however, when food sources are scarce, they might nibble on them.
Invasiveness: Alcea rosea is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. Find native plant alternatives.
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
3 - 10 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Malvaceae |
Genus | Alcea |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), |
Height | 5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand, Clay |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
3 - 10 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Malvaceae |
Genus | Alcea |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late), |
Height | 5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand, Clay |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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