Providing architectural height to borders, Alcea rugosa (Hollyhock) is a vigorous biennial or short-lived perennial boasting tall, sturdy spikes of outward-facing, funnel-shaped, pale yellow flowers adorned with conspicuous staminal columns. Blooming from late spring to late summer, the showy flowers are arranged all around the spike and bloom from the bottom up. The leaves are large, deeply lobed, and somewhat crinkled. Extremely hardy, Alcea rugosa is noted for its greater resistance to hollyhock rust. An old garden favorite, Hollyhock is best when grown against a wall or fence or at the back of the border.

• Grows vigorously up to 4-6 ft. high (120-180 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm). Hollyhocks easily self-seed and can establish colonies in the garden.
• Performs best in full sun, in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but will not tolerate wet winter soils.
• Easy to grow, Hollyhock is a welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, and wall-side borders.
• The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, which hover near the blossoms, and to butterflies.
• May be affected by leaf spot, and anthracnose. Good resistance to rust.
• Propagate by seed.
• Alcea rugosa species is native to Ukraine, Crimea, south European Russia, and the Caucasus.