Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
Accepted
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
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wall side borders
- Flower borders and beds
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
Get involved
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