Species
Alcea roseaHollyhock18 other cultivars
‘Old Farmyard’Old Farmyard Hollyhock
‘Double Hollyhock Mix’Double Hollyhock
‘Double Scarlet’Double Scarlet Hollyhock
‘Halo Apricot’Apricot Hollyhock
‘Double Apricot’Double Apricot Hollyhock
‘Brilliant Miniature’Brilliant Miniature Hollyhock
‘Double Yellow’Double Yellow Hollyhock
‘Chater's Double’Chater's Double Hollyhock
‘Blacknight’Black Night Hollyhock
‘Halo Cerise’Halo Cerise Hollyhock
‘Creme De Cassis’Creme De Cassis Hollyhock
‘Polarstar’Polarstar Hollyhock
‘Chater's Double White’Chater's Double White Hollyhock
‘Radiant Rose’Radiant Rose Hollyhock
‘Las Vegas’Las Vegas Hollyhock
‘Lilac’Lilac Hollyhock
‘Fiesta Time’Fiesta Time Hollyhock
‘Mars Magic’Hollyhock 'Mars Magic'
The Story
Plant Bio
Tall, biennial flowering plant known for its striking, large flowers.
Unique purple blooms that stand out in the garden.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
48 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds 1/4 inch deep into moist soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist during germination.
- Transplant seedlings when they have 2-3 true leaves, after last frost.
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart for good air circulation.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Pro Tip
Use a layer of compost to boost soil fertility and plant vigor.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells 💧
- Prune after flowering to promote bushy growth
- Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Refrain from fertilizing with high nitrogen in late season
- Don’t ignore pest signs—early intervention helps
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Purple Hollyhock questions
What zones can Purple Hollyhock grow in?
Purple Hollyhock is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Purple Hollyhock deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Purple Hollyhock, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Purple Hollyhock bloom?
Purple 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 Purple Hollyhock need full sun?
Purple Hollyhock does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Purple 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.