Botanical Name: Alcea rosea (Althaea rosea)
Common Name: Hollyhock
Type of Plant: dicot: biennial
Character
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape Clumping upright plant with long vertical spikes of broad flowers; can be grown as an annual, biennial or short lived perennial
Height to 8'
Spread to 3'
Growth Rate Moderate
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoor full sun to partial shade
Soil tolerates most any well-drained soil
Hardiness Hardy – Zones 1 - 24
 
Morphology:
Leaves large, rounded palmate leaves to 8" across, with rounded lobes and coarsely crenate margins; overall shape is cordate
Flowers brightly colored single, semi-double or double petaled flowers in red, yellow, orange, white lavender or deep purple
Fruit 1/2" woody capsule
 
Propagation:
seed
 
Usage:
old-fashioned biennial used toward the back of borders or beds; used for its tall flower display and vertical shape; some varieties can be persistent for several years; newer varieties are smaller and more compact
 
Landscape Care:
Watering takes moderate watering in well-drained soils – water regularly to prolong blooming season
Fertilizing slow-release fertilizer in early spring
Pruning cut back to the ground after flowering to produce second bloom
Pests/Diseases rust can be a major issue; remove affected leaves immediately
Special Conditions/Other can be attacked by snails and slugs
 
Origin: Mediterranean region to Asia Minor
Family: Malvaceae
 
Notes:
 
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