Also known as Hollyhock · 1.9k saves
Alcea
Alcea, the genus most gardeners know as hollyhock. We track 29 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Alcea varieties
See all 29 Alcea varieties →Search this genus →
5 species of Alcea
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Alcea in Sow
Save the Alcea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Alcea
Whats common across all Alcea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 29 most-grown of them.
The Alcea year
- StakeApril–June97% of varieties
Install tall stakes early before flower stalks emerge to prevent flopping
- Check for PestsMay–July90% of varieties
Monitor foliage closely for hollyhock rust (orange/brown spots)
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March79% of varieties
Cut back old stalks and dead foliage before new growth begins
- DeadheadJuly and August72% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to maintain appearance and limit self-seeding
- PlantMarch and April34% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or sow seeds for next year's bloom
- FertilizeMarch and April34% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer as growth begins in spring
- PruneAugust and September31% of varieties
Cut spent flower stalks back to the ground after blooming.
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote bushier growth
- Water deeply once a week 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season to prevent weak growth
- Skip fertilizing in late fall
What goes wrong with Alcea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Japanese beetles | Chewed leaves and flowers | Handpick beetles or apply organic insecticide |
| Japanese Beetles | Chewed leaves and flowers | Handpick or use organic beetle traps |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Ensure good air circulation and apply neem oil |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Rust | Orange or rust-colored spots on leaves | Remove affected foliage and apply fungicide |
Making more Alcea
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep in warm, shaded area for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing after emergence
- Harvest seeds in late summer for next season
Alcea questions
How many types of Alcea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 29 distinct Alcea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.9k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Alcea grow in?
Across its varieties, Alcea covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Alcea bloom?
Most Alcea varieties bloom in mid-summer, early summer, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Alcea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.