Hollyhock
alcea rosea
Also known as: ["Hollyhock","Poor Man's Rose"]
Overview
A tall, biennial or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant with large, showy flowers in various colors.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Alcea |
| Botanical Name: | Alcea rosea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; must not remain waterlogged.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter; avoid heavy clay or sandy soils without amendments.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead weekly during blooming; prune lightly after flowering; major pruning in late winter or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning during flowering to preserve blooms.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify sunlight.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Soil
well-draining, fertile garden loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy soils with organic matter; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights and can handle light frosts.
Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from harsh winds; maintain consistent soil moisture in extreme heat or cold.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding when blooms appear to encourage flowering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; seeds are the most common and reliable method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium.
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings or sow seeds.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Transplant once rooted or germinated.
Best Time: Early spring for cuttings; sow seeds in spring or late summer for biennial growth.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light for cuttings; direct sunlight for seedlings.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or perlite and peat moss for cuttings.
Hormone
Not necessary for seeds; rooting hormone can aid cuttings but is optional.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 1–3 weeks; cuttings root in 3–6 weeks and establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone (optional), seed trays, misting bottle, heating mat (optional).
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster germination.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut stems just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or damaged growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy stems to maintain shape; cut back after flowering to rejuvenate.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant (e.g., rubbing alcohol).
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or diseased parts; shape as needed; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are clear.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in a clean pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water and place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing frequency to twice weekly in hot, dry conditions; reduce watering in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; topdress with organic matter annually.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in extreme heat; leaf damage or slowed growth in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf discoloration or dieback; can survive light frosts but prolonged freezing damages roots.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants to a sheltered location; cover outdoor plants with frost cloth during freezes.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; flowering may be reduced; roots can suffer from heat stress in poorly drained soil.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during growing season; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicAlcea rosea is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicAlcea rosea is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicAlcea rosea, commonly known as Hollyhock, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall do hollyhocks grow?
A: Hollyhocks typically grow 6 to 8 feet tall.
Q: Do hollyhocks come back every year?
A: Hollyhocks are biennial or short-lived perennials, often self-seeding to return year after year.
Q: Are hollyhocks deer resistant?
A: Hollyhocks are not particularly deer resistant and may be browsed by deer.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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