perennial

Bristly Hollyhock

The Story

Plant Bio

Alcea setosa is a robust biennial or short-lived perennial that produces a single, unbranched vertical flowering stem from a basal winter rosette. The entire plant is covered in stiff, spreading hairs that create a harsh, bristly texture on the large, lobed leaves.

The species is distinguished by its tall terminal spikes of single, rose-pink to purplish-red flowers that open progressively from late spring through summer. Each blossom is subtended by a prominent, bristly epicalyx of six to eight narrow segments.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dramatic vertical structure and tall spikes of rose-pink blossoms perfect for the back of cottage borders.

Adapts well to alkaline, rocky, and poor soils where other perennials struggle to establish.

Attracts hummingbirds, native bees, and butterflies to its nectar-rich, open flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

78"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Biennial or short-lived perennial

Native To

Western Asia (Eastern Mediterranean)

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may cause skin irritation)

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly drained loam, clay, or rocky limestone soil.
Amend heavy soils with coarse grit to prevent waterlogging around the crown during winter.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure excellent air circulation and minimize fungal issues.
Water deeply but infrequently once established, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting in heavy, poorly drained soils where winter wetness will rot the crown before spring growth begins. Cut spent flower spikes back to the basal foliage immediately after blooming to prolong the plant's short lifespan.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid skin irritation from the stiff, bristly hairs.
Clean up and destroy all fallen leaf debris in autumn to prevent the overwintering of rust spores.
Apply a light layer of organic slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support flowering.

Don't

Do not plant in low-lying garden areas or heavy clay where winter water pools.
Do not use high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate soft growth highly susceptible to pests and diseases.
Do not prune hard into the old, leafless woody base of the stem.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Pest Check
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage GardensMixed BordersMediterranean GardensArchitectural Accents

Companion Plants

Sphaeralcea ambigua Salvia officinalis Lavandula angustifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bristly Hollyhock questions

What zones can Bristly Hollyhock grow in?

Bristly Hollyhock is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Bristly Hollyhock bloom?

Bristly Hollyhock typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bristly Hollyhock need full sun?

Bristly Hollyhock does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bristly Hollyhock drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bristly Hollyhock handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.