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Annual Biennial

Alcea rosea single-flowered
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A tall, upright biennial or short-lived perennial to 2m with rounded, lobed, slightly hairy, light grey-green leaves. In summer, tall spikes of densely packed, single, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, red and purple appear

Synonyms
Alcea rosea 'Simplex'
Alcea (_rosea_ × _simplex_)
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer White Pink Red Purple Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Alcea are robust biennials or short-lived perennials with showy funnel-shaped flowers borne in tall, erect racemes in summer

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. May need support on exposed sites, see staking: perennials

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown in gentle heat in midwinter, or in situ in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Cut back dead foliage after flowering, or pull out and discard - growing as annuals or biennials can help limit the spread of rust

Pests

May be susceptible to cutworms and slugs on young growth, and to capsid bugs, aphids and mallow flea beetles

Diseases

May be susceptible to hollyhock rust

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