perennial

Hollyhock

Alcea roseau

The Story

Plant Bio

Tall, biennial or perennial with large, showy flowers.

Known for its impressive height and colorful spikes of blossoms.

Uses & Benefits:

Alcea roseau adds height and vibrant color to gardens, attracting pollinators and creating a striking visual feature.

Provides nectar for hummingbirds and beneficial insects, supporting ecological health.

Supports local pollinator populations and enhances biodiversity in garden spaces.

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

Biennial or short-lived perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring for best germination.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during seedling stage.
Provide full sun to encourage tall, vibrant blooms.
Support tall stems with stakes to prevent lodging.
Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during active growth.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.

Pro Tip

Plant in early spring and space plants 18-24 inches apart for optimal airflow and growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
Prune back after flowering to encourage bushier growth
Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season
Support tall stems with stakes to prevent damage
Deadhead spent blooms for prolonged flowering

Don't

Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
Don't plant in heavy, clay soil without amendments
Refrain from cutting back in late fall to prevent frost damage
Avoid overcrowding to improve air circulation
Don't forget to mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tall, airy border plantColorful cottage garden featureVertical accent in flower beds

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Coreopsis Echinacea Rudbeckia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hollyhock questions

What zones can Hollyhock grow in?

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 Hollyhock deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Hollyhock, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Hollyhock bloom?

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

Does Hollyhock need full sun?

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

Is Hollyhock drought tolerant?

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