The Story
Plant Bio
Alcea rugosa is a robust, clump-forming perennial known for its tall, sturdy spikes of large, pale yellow, saucer-shaped flowers and large, wrinkled (rugose), fig-like leaves.
Unlike the common biennial hollyhock, this species is a true perennial and shows strong resistance to hollyhock rust disease.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
84 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southeastern Europe, Southwestern Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds 1/4 inch deep into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Provide full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
- Stake tall plants to prevent wind damage during summer.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms.
Pro Tip
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost for earlier blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply organic mulch to retain moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't neglect staking tall varieties
- Avoid fertilizing late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Russian Hollyhock questions
What zones can Russian Hollyhock grow in?
Russian Hollyhock is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Russian Hollyhock deer resistant?
Yes — Russian Hollyhock is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Russian Hollyhock bloom?
Russian Hollyhock typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Russian Hollyhock need full sun?
Russian Hollyhock does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Russian Hollyhock drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Russian Hollyhock handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Alcea to compare
Old Farmyard Hollyhock
Alcea rosea 'Old Farmyard'
Double Hollyhock
Alcea rosea 'Double Hollyhock Mix'
Hollyhock Country Mix
Alcea rosealca 'Country Mix'
Hollyhock
Alcea rosa
Double Scarlet Hollyhock
Alcea rosea 'Double Scarlet'
Apricot Hollyhock
Alcea rosea 'Halo Apricot'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Russian Hollyhock with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.