Alcea (Hollyhock)

Why Should I Grow Hollyhocks?

Growing hollyhocks in your garden can be rewarding for several reasons:

Historical Charm: Hollyhocks have been grown in gardens for centuries, and their old-world charm can evoke a sense of nostalgia and timeless beauty.

Vertical Interest: With their tall spikes of flowers, they add a vertical dimension to gardens, making them stand out in beds and borders.

Variety of Colors: Available in a wide range of colors from pastels to deep, rich shades, there’s a hollyhock to match any garden palette.

Pollinator Attraction: Hollyhocks attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting biodiversity in your garden.

Easy to Grow: Though they might face some pest issues, in general, hollyhocks are relatively low maintenance, and some varieties can even self-seed, giving gardeners new plants year after year.

Edging and Background Planting: Due to their height, they are perfect for placing at the back of borders or along fences and walls.

Companion Planting: Hollyhocks can be used as companion plants for roses and other perennials, creating a multi-layered visual effect.

Heritage and Heirloom Varieties: For those interested in preserving historical plant varieties, many heirloom types of hollyhocks are available that have been passed down through generations.

Architectural Beauty: The tall, sturdy stems and large blossoms make hollyhocks an architectural asset in garden design.

Medicinal and Edible Uses: Historically, parts of the hollyhock plant have been used for their medicinal properties, and certain varieties have edible flowers.

Garden Design with Hollyhock Flowers

Designing a garden with hollyhock flowers can create a vintage, cottage-style ambiance. These tall, stately plants make a statement wherever they’re planted. Their colorful blooms, often reminiscent of past eras, can transform a garden into a nostalgic paradise. Here are some ideas for integrating hollyhocks into your garden design:

Vertical Interest: Due to their height, hollyhocks are excellent for adding vertical interest. Plant them at the back of borders so shorter plants can be placed in front, creating a tiered effect.

Focal Points: Plant hollyhocks in groups of three or five to create a dramatic focal point in the garden. They’ll draw the eye and serve as a backdrop for other plants.

Cottage Garden Feel: Pair hollyhocks with traditional cottage garden flowers like roses, foxgloves, lupines, and delphiniums for a timeless look.

Around Structures: Plant them near fences, walls, or garden gates. They can provide a softening effect to these hard structures. Moreover, they can use these structures for support when they grow tall.

Pathway Lining: Plant hollyhocks intermittently along garden pathways. Their tall spires will guide visitors along the path and provide a whimsical feeling.

Complementary Colors: Hollyhocks come in a variety of colors. Consider pairing contrasting hues (like pink hollyhocks with blue delphiniums) or go for a monochromatic scheme (all pinks or all whites).

Attract Pollinators: Hollyhocks are a favorite among bees and butterflies. Plant them in a garden where you wish to encourage these beneficial insects.

Container Planting: Dwarf hollyhock varieties can be grown in large containers. This can be especially useful for those with limited garden space or for adding height to patio areas.

Near Windows: Plant hollyhocks near windows so that when they bloom, you can enjoy their beauty both from inside and outside the home.

Rustic Appeal: Pair hollyhocks with rustic garden elements like wooden wheelbarrows, picket fences, or vintage metal garden accessories.

Seasonal Considerations: Hollyhocks typically bloom in mid-summer. Combine them with plants with varied bloom times to ensure your garden has continuous color throughout the seasons.

Naturalized Settings: Hollyhocks can be allowed to self-seed and naturalize in meadow areas or informal garden settings.

Companion Plants

Companion planting can be a beneficial strategy to enhance your garden’s overall health and appearance. When selecting companions for hollyhocks, consider plants that complement their height, bloom time, and potential pest or disease issues. Here are some ideal companion plants for hollyhocks:

Foxgloves (Digitalis): Their spiky flowers and height complement hollyhocks and share a similar “cottage garden” feel.

Roses: Classic companions for a vintage garden look. The rounded form of rose bushes contrasts nicely with the vertical growth of hollyhocks.

Lupines: Another tall spire-like flower that can mirror the verticality of hollyhocks but with a different floral shape.

Delphiniums: Their tall, spike-like bloom structure complements hollyhocks well, and they come in a variety of colors.

Yarrow (Achillea): Its flat-topped flowers and feathery foliage offer a contrast to the large, rounded leaves and tall stalks of hollyhocks.

Coneflowers (Echinacea): The daisy-like flowers of coneflowers can complement the disk-like blooms of hollyhocks.

Lavender: Its silvery foliage and purple flowers contrast beautifully with hollyhocks and offer a lovely scent.

Catmint (Nepeta): The mounding habit and bluish flowers provide a nice contrast to hollyhocks, and it’s a great deterrent for certain pests.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): Their bright, daisy-like flowers can light up the base of tall hollyhock plants.

Daisies: Their simplicity can balance the bold presence of hollyhocks.

Salvia: The spiky blooms of salvia plants can mirror the height of hollyhocks, adding another layer of vertical interest.

Mullein (Verbascum):  they share similar cultural needs and aesthetic features, making them potential companion plants in a garden setting. 

Verbena bonariensis offers tall, slender stems topped with lavender flowers, creating a light, airy contrast to the bold, disk-like blooms of hollyhocks.

Remember, when choosing companion plants for hollyhocks or any other primary plant, it’s essential to consider their growth habits, water, and light needs to ensure that all plants thrive together.

Growing and Caring for Hollyhock

Location: Hollyhocks prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for best flower production. Pick a site sheltered from the wind to prevent these tall plants from flopping.

Soil: Plant hollyhocks in well-draining, fertile soils for optimal results. Enriching your soil with organic matter can enhance growth and also aid in improved airflow and drainage.

Watering: Young plants thrive in consistently moist environments, with the top 5 inches (12.5 cm) of soil ideally kept damp. However, they don’t fare well in waterlogged conditions, especially during winter. Mature hollyhocks typically require water during extended periods of heat and dryness.

Spacing: Due to their height and potential spread, space plants about 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm) apart.

Fertilizing: In rich soils, fertilizing may not be essential. However, a bi-weekly or monthly feed during the flowering phase can be beneficial for less fertile grounds. Organic flower fertilizers or nitrogen-rich fish emulsions are suitable choices.

Pruning: After flowering, cut back the stalks to encourage a second bloom. At the end of the season, remove old stalks to reduce disease risk.

Propagation: Hollyhocks can be propagated from seeds. Sow seeds outdoors anytime from spring (after all danger of frost has passed.) until 2 months before the first heavy fall frost. If you prefer to start them indoors, do so about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Do not cover, as light aids germination.

Biennial Note: Most hollyhocks are biennials, meaning they spend their first year growing and bloom in their second year. However, many varieties self-seed, giving the impression of perennials as new plants emerge each year.

Support: Due to their height, hollyhocks might need staking in windy areas to prevent them from toppling over. The main stems can be pinched early in the season to produce bushier, shorter plants that are less likely to need staking.

By providing the appropriate care and conditions, you can enjoy the dramatic, tall spires of hollyhocks in your garden for many years.

Pests and Diseases

Hollyhocks are susceptible to several pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:

Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves, often leading to leaf drop. Ensuring good air circulation and removing affected leaves can help in management.

Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that can affect hollyhocks. Small to large dark brown or black spots appear on the leaves. Over time, these spots can merge and affect larger leaf areas, eventually causing it to turn yellow and drop off. Ensure proper spacing between plants to improve air circulation. Remove and dispose of infected leaves to reduce the spread. Apply fungicides if the infestation becomes severe, but always follow label instructions carefully.

Rust: This is one of the most common diseases affecting hollyhocks. It’s a fungal disease that results in yellow or orange spots on the undersides of leaves. To prevent rust, ensure proper spacing between plants for adequate airflow and avoid overhead watering.

Japanese Beetles: These pests love hollyhocks. They feed on the leaves and can cause considerable damage. Hand-picking and using insecticidal soaps or neem oil can help manage these beetles.

Spider mites: These tiny pests suck plant juices causing stippling on leaves. In severe cases, they can cause leaf drop. Increasing humidity and using insecticidal soaps can help control spider mites.

Practicing good garden hygiene is crucial to protect hollyhocks from pests and diseases. Regularly inspect plants, remove and dispose of affected parts, and consider natural or chemical treatments only as necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will hollyhocks come back every year?

Hollyhocks are biennial plants, which means they have a two-year life cycle. In the first year, they produce foliage and establish their root system. In the second year, they flower, set seed, and then die. However, because hollyhocks are prolific seed producers, new plants often emerge from dropped seeds, giving the appearance that the plants are perennials returning year after year. Some varieties of hollyhocks are also available as true perennials.

When to plant hollyhocks?

Hollyhocks in pots should ideally be planted during the spring or fall, though they can be set at any time. For those planting hollyhock seeds, initiate indoor sowing in mid- to late spring or directly seed them outdoors in their desired location during spring and early summer.

Can you grow hollyhocks in pots?

Yes, hollyhocks can be grown in pots, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, due to their height and deep-rooting nature, you’ll need a deep, large pot to accommodate them. Also, consider staking or supporting them, especially if they are placed in a windy location. Growing them in pots can also be beneficial for controlling rust, a common hollyhock disease, as it’s easier to keep the environment around the plant clean.