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Perennials
Alcea rosea
common hollyhock
MalvaceaeSouthwestern and central Asia
At a Glance
TypeBiennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height5–9 feet (150–275 cm)
Width1.5–2.5 feet (45–75 cm)
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
3 - 9Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancemoderate
Overview
A biennial or short-lived perennial reaching 5–9 feet (150–275 cm) tall with erect, unbranched stems. Basal leaves large, rounded to heart-shaped, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) across with 5–7 shallow lobes and a rough, hairy texture. Stem leaves become progressively smaller upward. Flowers are funnel-shaped, 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) across, borne in leaf axils along the upper half of the stem, opening sequentially from bottom to top over 4–6 weeks. Flower color ranges include white, pale yellow, pink, red, burgundy, and near-black; single and double forms exist. As a biennial, plants produce only a rosette of foliage in their first year, then flower, set seed, and die in the second year. Self-seeding is common where conditions permit, producing volunteer seedlings annually. Hollyhock rust (Phragmidium malvacearum) causes orange pustules on leaf undersides and is prevalent in humid conditions; it is cosmetic in mild cases but can defoliate plants in severe outbreaks. Stems require staking in exposed or windy sites.
Native Range
Native to southwestern and central Asia, with the center of origin likely in China or the eastern Mediterranean region. Long cultivated in Europe since at least the 15th century; naturalized in disturbed areas, roadsides, and old gardens throughout temperate regions worldwide.Suggested Uses
Commonly grown at the back of herbaceous borders or against walls and fences where stems can lean for support, at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. Self-seeding habit suits cottage garden and informal plantings. Taller cultivars reach 6–9 feet (180–275 cm) and are unsuitable for exposed, windy sites without staking.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height5' - 9'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'6"
Colors
Flower Colors
white
pink
red
burgundy
purple
yellow
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
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Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, pink, red, burgundy, near-black; single and double formsFoliage Description
medium green, rough-texturedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandchalk
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil; poor drainage promotes root rot. Sow seeds directly in the garden in summer for bloom the following year, or start transplants 8–10 weeks before the last frost date. Stake plants in exposed positions when stems reach 24 inches (60 cm). Water at the base to reduce rust incidence; overhead watering promotes fungal disease. Rust infection (Phragmidium malvacearum) is common — remove affected leaves and avoid composting them. Allow a few plants to self-seed to maintain colonies; otherwise remove spent plants after seed set.Pruning
Cut flower spikes back to the ground after seeds ripen if self-seeding is not desired. In regions where plants act as perennials, cut stems to ground level in late fall after frost. Removing spent individual flowers does not significantly extend bloom but keeps plants tidy. Do not remove basal foliage in the first year; this rosette is essential for overwintering.Pruning Schedule
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fall