Alcea
( al - CEE - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationAlcea, commonly called Hollyhock or Hock Leaf, is a biennial or short-lived herbaceous perennial that needs partial shade in hot climates and regular water. These flowers will attract birds and butterflies to your yard. This classic garden flower hails from Asia and Europe and is best at the back of a border, where it won't block other plants. Round leaves form a 3 foot wide clump, and flowers bloom along upright stems in summer. Flowers take many different forms, and can be pink, white, rose, purple, red, creamy yellow, or apricot. These plants will self-sow, and return year after year with beautiful color.
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Alcea species and Varietals
The genus Alcea includes about 80 species, and is a member of the plant family Malvaceae, making it a relative of plants like Hibiscus, Okra, Cotton, and Lavatera. The genus name Alcea is thought to be derived from the Greek word for mallow (alkaia). Hollyhock grows best in zones 1-24. For more growing information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Alcea apterocarpa This species is native to Turkey through Sinai, and reaches about 6 feet tall. Flowers are commonly white but can also be pink or violet. These plants naturally grow along roadsides, in fields, and on rocky slopes. Similar to, and somteimes confused with, Alcea biennis (to differentiate, the plant will need to fruit). |
Alcea rosea (Common Hollyhock)
This species is known as the common garden species of Hollyhock, and includes many different varieties with flower composition ranging from single to semi-double to double. This species was imported into Europe from China around the 15th century, and was given the name 'Holyoke' by herbalist and naturalist William Turner. These species will self-sow when left to their own devices, and if the hybridization allows. These plants can reach up to 8 feet tall and flower colors range from dark red to white, pink, yellow, and orange. Different flower colors seem to prefer different types of soils: red-flowered varieties prefer sandier soils, while lighter colors seem to favor more clay soils. Leaves are heart-shaped. There are many varieties cultivated in landscapes, some of which are listed below.
This species is known as the common garden species of Hollyhock, and includes many different varieties with flower composition ranging from single to semi-double to double. This species was imported into Europe from China around the 15th century, and was given the name 'Holyoke' by herbalist and naturalist William Turner. These species will self-sow when left to their own devices, and if the hybridization allows. These plants can reach up to 8 feet tall and flower colors range from dark red to white, pink, yellow, and orange. Different flower colors seem to prefer different types of soils: red-flowered varieties prefer sandier soils, while lighter colors seem to favor more clay soils. Leaves are heart-shaped. There are many varieties cultivated in landscapes, some of which are listed below.
Alcea setosa (Bristly Hollyhock) This species is native to Crete, Lebanon, Turkey, Syria, and Palestine. It goes dormant in the summertime, dying back to the ground. In wintertime, a rosette of flowers develops and a single flowering stem grows up from the center. Pink flowers are numerous and large, blooming from April through June. |
Caring for Alcea
These beauties prefer full to partial sun and rich organic soil, so pick a spot in your yard that meets these requirements and amend soil accordingly. Their long flower stems do not usually require staking unless they are in a high-wind area. Plant them about 18 inches apart for best coverage and to avoid problems that spring from poor air flow, like Rust. They should receive regular waterings during their growth and bloom periods, but make sure you are not giving overhead water, as this will add susceptibility to fungal diseases. Fertilizer can also be added every few weeks during growth and bloom periods. They love a high-nitrogen fertilizer; a fish emulsion or organic flower fertilizer can work wonders.
Propagation
While Hollyhock will generally self-sow if left to their own devices, if you'd like to control the spread of these flowers and propagate them with a little more direction, follow the directions below. The best way to propagate Hollyhock is by seed.
Propagating Alcea rosea by Seed
Before trying this method, keep in mind that propagation by seed does not ensure that you will end up with the exact same plant as you harvested the seed from. To complete this propagation method, you will need to allow your Hollyhock flowers to stay on the plant long enough to come to seed, so do not completely deadhead all of your flowers. Seeds will be mature and ready to harvest in summer or fall, when the flowers have dried and are brown in color. Cut the flower heads off of your plant at this time, and take the seeds out of their pods. For pictures of the dried flowers and seeds, see the images below. The seeds are able to be stored in a cool, dark, dry place until you are ready to sow them. To grow Hollyhock from seed, follow these directions:
Propagating Alcea rosea by Seed
Before trying this method, keep in mind that propagation by seed does not ensure that you will end up with the exact same plant as you harvested the seed from. To complete this propagation method, you will need to allow your Hollyhock flowers to stay on the plant long enough to come to seed, so do not completely deadhead all of your flowers. Seeds will be mature and ready to harvest in summer or fall, when the flowers have dried and are brown in color. Cut the flower heads off of your plant at this time, and take the seeds out of their pods. For pictures of the dried flowers and seeds, see the images below. The seeds are able to be stored in a cool, dark, dry place until you are ready to sow them. To grow Hollyhock from seed, follow these directions:
- Gather your materials. You will need a pots, a spray bottle filled with water and potting soil.
- Seeds can be sown indoors in the late spring or late summer, and then transplanted outside the following spring after the last danger of frost has passed. Prepare your pots by filling them with potting medium and watering to ensure that adequate drainage is occurring.
- Place your seeds on top of the potting mix, spaced about 4- 6 inches apart. Sprinkle potting medium over the top until the seeds are covered. As the seeds are starting out, it is best to use a spray bottle to add moisture to avoid uncovering their soil topping. Keep the soil moist as the seeds develop, and keep pots in an area that receives sunlight and stays above a temperature of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Continue to monitor for moisture and adequate soil covering until the seeds start to sprout, which should take about two weeks. Once the chance of frost has passed by, seedlings can be transplanted to a sunny area of the garden. Keep the soil moist as the plant develops, and enjoy watching your seedlings grow.
Problems and Pests
Although beautiful, Hollyhock can be a bit tricky to care for as they are susceptible to a few pests and diseases. They are also sensitive to garden conditions like overhead water, too much heat and humidity, and wet soil conditions. Lower leaves will wither away and die in conditions that are hot and dry, and yellowing leaves may indicate a need for fertilizing. The common issues that affect Hollyhock are:
- Rust
- Leaf Spot
- Anthracnose
- Slugs and Snails
- Spider Mites
- Japanese Beetles
Gallery
Videos
Tips for growing Hollyhock in your garden.
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Propagating camellias
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Caring for Hollyhock over the fall and winter months, as well as how to grow from seed.
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How to grow Hollyhock from seed.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 142, Alcea rosea
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