Mars Magic Hollyhock

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

5-6 Feet

Mature Spread

2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 9

Like its namesake red planet, Mars Magic Hollyhock (Alcea ‘Mars Magic’) thrills with bright red blooms on sturdy stalks. Rising to nearly 6 feet tall, the hollyhock is a tried-and-true backdrop in cottage gardens around the world. This variety lasts longer than most hollyhocks, so it can come back after winter for several years in zones 3 through 9. 

With the height and deep red color of Mars Magic, you can use it in a variety of ways, cottage garden or not. Place one or two in the middle of a garden bed as a summer focal point, line up several in front of a building (maybe a cottage?) or fence, or use them to border a break in the landscape. No matter where you plant these beauties, they are sure to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard. And you can always cut and dry the deep red blooms to enjoy indoors as well.

Mars Magic Hollyhock Care

Hollyhocks are easy-care, fast-growing flowers. They can grow in average or fertile soil, as long as it drains well. Give them full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for best growth and color. Because they grow quickly, they do not need much in the way of help or fertilization. Add some compost to the soil at planting or give them a balanced fertilizer each spring after they reappear. If placing Mars Magic Hollyhock in the open, especially in a windy spot, its stalks will benefit from staking. Otherwise, a fence or wall is all they need to grow upright, proud, and colorful. 

In fall, cut your hollyhock back to about 6 inches above the ground and add a thick layer of straw or similar mulch around the plant’s root zone to help protect it in winter. Other than that, the plant needs only consistent watering, and can even tolerate brief periods of drought once it’s established. 

Mars Magic Hollyhock Spacing

Mars Magic Hollyhock can spread to about 2 feet around, so plant a row or grouping at least 1½ feet apart to prevent overcrowding. Space further apart if desired to add color along a structure.