Hollyhocks 1 to 10 of 10 total
Hollyhocks 1 to 10 of 10 total
Hollyhocks
Uses:
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
- Cottage Garden
- Specimen or Focal Point
Features:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Cut Flowers
- Low Maintenance
Sunlight:
- Full Sun
- 6+ Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 3-9
- What is My Zone?
Known for their impressive spikes of large, colorful flowers, Hollyhocks enhance garden landscapes by adding height, color, and a nostalgic to cottage-gardens. The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Plant these perennials at the back of borders, along fences, or against walls, where they can create a dramatic vertical accent.
About Hollyhocks
Genus
Species
Family
Alcea
Rosea, ficifolia, viridiflora
Malvaceae
Common Names:
N/A
Native To:
Europe, Asia
Plant Type:
Perennials
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flower Color:
Pink, Red, White, Yellow, Purple, Peach, Black
Flower Bloom Time:
Late spring to midsummer
Growth Habit:
Upright, tall
Attracts:
Bees, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Tolerates:
Drought, Poor Soil, Heat
Resists:
Deer, Pests, Diseases
How To Use Hollyhocks In The Garden
Hollyhocks tower above many other garden flowers, creating a sense of drama with their lofty spires and open, saucer-shaped blooms. These upright stems, sometimes reaching six feet or more, bring an old-world charm reminiscent of cottage gardens. The plants are technically short-lived perennials or biennials, yet they self-seed readily to keep the show going for years. Their funnel-shaped flowers, in white, red, or deep purple, often attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators seeking a late-summer feast. These flowers feature a dark central eye, with some varieties exhibiting ruffled petals that create a plush appearance.
Use hollyhocks at the back of a border to provide a living screen or settle them near a fence where they can lean for support. Combine them with smaller, lower-growing perennials that will mask the rangy base while adding color closer to the ground. Let the flower stalks dry naturally after blooming to scatter seeds if you want more hollyhocks next season. Grouping several plants together creates an enchanting vertical accent in cottage or country-themed landscapes.
Hollyhock Care
Hollyhocks require full sun to develop sturdy central stalks, as insufficient light can lead to weak growth. Plant them on the south side of structures or near trees that block wind without casting shade. Space plants at least 18 inches apart to promote air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal issues. Water new plants to keep the soil moist; once established, hollyhocks tolerate drier conditions, needing water mainly during dry spells. Applying a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, every few weeks during the blooming season can further enhance their performance.
To encourage continuous blooming, remove flowers as they fade, allowing the plant to focus energy on new growth. However, leaving some spent blooms toward the end of the season enables self-seeding for future plants. In the fall, cut back hollyhock stalks to ground level to prepare for winter dormancy. Hollyhocks are not ideal for containers due to their deep root systems; however, if you choose to grow them in pots, select large containers and place them in sunny, wind-protected areas.
Learn More About Hollyhocks Care
Hollyhock Companion Plants
Companion plants for hollyhocks thrive in full sun with rich, well-drained soil and generous spacing to promote airflow and reduce disease. Spirea offers early summer blooms and a tidy shrub form that echoes hollyhocks’ cottage-garden charm, while foxglove’s tall, fuzzy spires provide textural contrast and similar moisture needs. Black-eyed Susan’s long-lasting daisies and bee balm’s fragrant flowers and spreading habit fill gaps around bare stems and extend the season of pollinator-friendly color.
