Hollyhocks are easy-to-grow perennial plants that produce a lot of flowers. They prefer a sunny location and need to be staked, as they tend to flop in windy conditions.
Like many biennials, hollyhocks self-seed prolifically. They are susceptible to the fast-spreading fungal disease rust, but an organic fungicide can help control it.
HOLLYHOCK BASICS
Zones:
3-9
Height/Spread:
6-8 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide
Exposure:
Part shade to full sun
Bloom Time:
June-August
Color and Characteristics:
The cup-shaped single or double flowers are either without stalks or have a very short one. They bloom on spikes that are tall. Hollyhocks are available in many colors, including blue, pink and purple. They also come in white, yellow, black, white with red accents, or even black. The spikes are covered in blooms all the way down. Hollyhock leaves have a large, coarse texture and are palmate-shaped.
Are hollyhocks poisonous?
Hollyhocks do not appear to be poisonous if eaten. The stems and leaves of Hollyhocks can cause irritation to the skin when they are touched.
Can hollyhocks resist deer?
Hollyhocks are rarely eaten by deer.
HOW TO PLANT HOLLYHOCKS
When to plant hollyhocks seeds:
Hollyhocks can be easily grown from seed, either indoors or outdoors. Directly outdoors, about a week prior to the last frost, seeds can be planted. Just 1/4 inch deep, and 2 feet apart. Hollyhocks are a long-taproot plant, so it is best to start indoors in tall individual pots. Transplant early and avoid damage. Indoor seeds should be started about nine weeks before the average last frost date. Plant seedlings outside 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost. Remember that some plants are biennials, and they may not flower until the second year.
Plants to be planted:
Plant in an area that receives full sun or partial shade. Because of their height, provide protection from damaging winds. Use a fence or wall to support them. Hollyhocks are self-seeding if they’re left alone, so plant them where it won’t cause a problem. Hollyhocks can also be planted near black walnut trees, as they tolerate the chemical juglone leached by the tree.
HOLLYHOCK CARE
Pruning:
After flowering, you can cut the stalks back to their base or remove individual hollyhock blooms. This will stop seed heads from growing and reseeding. If you want to set seeds for the next spring, keep the flowers and some stalks on the plant until the seeds are dropped. The flowers will die in the winter, and you should cut all leaves and stems to the ground. This is to prevent rust from spreading over winter.
Soil:
Hollyhocks need rich, moist soil that is well-drained.
Fertilizer and amendments:
Hollyhocks will benefit from a spring application of compost or fertilizer.
Watering:
Keep the soil moist and provide regular watering to hollyhocks. Once established, hollyhocks are drought-tolerant. Avoid wetting the leaves and watering from below.
Propagation:
Hollyhocks can be grown easily and quickly from seeds. They will self-seed readily if the flower stalks remain in place.
Pests and diseases:
Hollyhock rust is a fungus that starts as yellow spots, and then turns into brown or rust colored bumps under the leaves. It is easier to prevent rust than it is to control an outbreak. The prevention of rust is as simple as watering from the bottom, ensuring good air circulation, and a thorough fall cleanup. To prevent the spread of rust, any leaves showing signs of rust on the plant should be removed and disposed. Alcea Rugosa cultivars have been developed that are more resistant to rust.
Slugs, snails, and spider mites are all problematic. Spider Mites as well as Japanese Beetles.
Over-wintering:
Hollyhocks are an annual in areas with hard freezes. They can be started indoors from seeds and then overwintered. Over the winter, water sparingly and slowly reintroduce the plants outside as the weather warms up.
Trimm them to 6 inches or less above the ground in other areas. Cover the base and root zone with a layer of mulch or straw of 4 to 6 inches. Remove the mulch or straw in spring by gradually removing it. This will allow your roots to become accustomed. Remove all straw or mulch once new growth appears. In case of spring freeze, re-cover the plants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where do hollyhocks grow best?
Hollyhocks grow best in full sunlight and thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. They are ideal for temperate climates, where summers are warm but not extremely hot. Hollyhocks prefer locations with good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases. They can tolerate drought once established but benefit from regular watering, especially in dry conditions. Hollyhocks are often planted along fences, walls, or garden borders to provide support as they grow tall.
What do hollyhocks symbolize?
Hollyhocks traditionally symbolize fertility, ambition, and abundance. They are also associated with nostalgia and simple, country-style beauty. In some cultures, hollyhocks represent the passing of time, since they are often grown in older or traditional gardens. They can also symbolize endurance due to their height and ability to stand tall in various conditions.
Why are hollyhocks so hard to grow?
Hollyhocks can be challenging to grow due to their susceptibility to fungal diseases, particularly rust. This fungal infection causes yellow or orange spots on leaves, which can eventually kill the plant if not controlled. Hollyhocks also require consistent care in terms of watering and feeding, and they can be slow to establish. Additionally, they are biennials or short-lived perennials, so they may take a year to bloom, and their life cycle can be unpredictable.
