Hollyhock 'Chater's Double Maroon'
Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Maroon’ showcases sumptuous double blooms in a deep maroon hue. Their ruffled, pompom-like petals rise on tall stems, creating a dramatic garden statement. This variety not only adds richness in color but also attracts pollinators, enhancing the garden’s dynamism and beauty.
Native: Originating from Asia and Europe, Alcea rosea has been cultivated for centuries, and over time, many cultivars like ‘Chater’s Double Maroon’ have been developed.
Plant Type and Habit: This plant is a biennial or short-lived perennial. It has an upright, columnar growth habit, which makes it particularly suitable for back borders or as a focal point in the garden.
Size: Typically, ‘Chater’s Double Maroon’ can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet (180-240 cm), with a spread of about 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm). Hollyhocks easily self-seed and can establish colonies in the garden.
Flowers: It boasts deeply rich, maroon-colored blooms that are double and ruffled, creating a luxurious and opulent display. The flowers are large and resemble pompoms, densely filled with velvety petals. Blooming on tall, upright spikes, these deep maroon blossoms create a dramatic and romantic focal point in any garden setting, drawing attention with their depth of color.
Bloom Time: You can expect this hollyhock to showcase its flowers from mid to late summer.
Fruits: After the bloom, it produces round fruits or capsules, which contain numerous seeds, enabling gardeners to propagate the plant easily.
Foliage: Its large, lobed leaves are a deep green, creating a contrasting backdrop for the velvety blooms.
Uses: Given its stature, it’s excellent as a background plant in perennial borders. It also suits cottage gardens and can be used as a natural screen or backdrop against fences and walls.
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.
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: Hollyhocks tolerate a wide range of soil conditions but will not tolerate wet winter soils. Plant in well-draining, fertile soils for optimal results.
Watering: Young plants thrive in moist environments. Mature hollyhocks typically require water during extended periods of heat and dryness.
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.
Pest and diseases: Hollyhocks are susceptible to several pests and diseases, including anthracnose, leaf spot, rust, Japanese beetles, and spider mites.
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 |
Common names | Hollyhock |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid, Late) |
Height | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
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 |
Common names | Hollyhock |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid, Late) |
Height | 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" - 24" (50cm - 60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
How many Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Maroon’ (Hollyhock) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Maroon’ (Hollyhock) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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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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