Bring vertical interest and loads of blooms to your garden with this guide to growing hollyhock.
These plants can also grow in partial sun but tend to flop over in full shade.
Hollyhock prefers rich, well-drained soil.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
It can tolerate clay, silt, or sand but wont perform well in wet winter soil.
This plant is not picky aboutpH of the soil, growing in acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions.
They are also well-suited to naturalized gardens.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Having a support system is especially important for taller varieties.
Spacing them 3 to 4 feet apart will allow for this natural spread.
Dont cover them with soil as you need sunlight to reach the seeds and encourage germination.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
If you want to start seeds indoors, sow them about six to eight weeksbefore your final frost date.
Move the seedlings outside while theyre still young to avoid damaging the taproot.
Start by cutting back the stems and foliage, leaving about 6 inches above the ground.
Credit: Bill Stites
Each section should have a piece of root with at least a couple of eyes.
Plant the sections as quickly as possible.
Hollyhock Care Tips
Hollyhock has a reputation for being somewhat high-maintenance.
Credit: Rick Taylor
Growth comes easily, however, and fertilizer needs are minimal.
Light
While full sun is best, hollyhocks willgrow in partial sun or light shade.
Lots of sunlight equals fewer spindly plants and a lower likelihood of disease.
Credit: Mike Jensen
Plants grown in partial shade often flop over.
Soil and Water
Hollyhock can handle lots of different soil types.
Ideally, seek aspot with well-drained soil, though hollyhock will also take root in clay.
Credit: Susan A. Roth
You neednt worry about pH, as these grand flowers grow in acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil.
check that to avoid wet winter soil.
These upright flowers look their best early in the summer before the elements wear them out.
Credit: David McDonald
Apply a balanced product (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every few weeks.
Once the plant is mature, you shouldnt need to continue fertilizing.
Pests and Problems
Pests
Pests arent considered a significant concern for hollyhocks.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
However, young hollyhocks can attractslugsandcaterpillars.
Spider mites andJapanese beetlesmay also be a problem.
Unfortunately, these plants are prone to a key in of rust specific to hollyhock family members.
Credit: Justin Hancock
The first sign of hollyhock rust is yellow spots on the lower leaves.
As the disease progresses, brown- or rust-colored bumps often appear on the underside of leaves.
Hollyhocks grown in high humidity or places with poor air circulation are especially vulnerable to rust.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Although its effects are unsightly, this disease usually doesnt kill the plant.
Keep an eye out for early symptoms of rust.
Keep foliage dry and water at the base of the plant to avoid this.
It may also attack the roots and the section of the stem closest to the ground.
Hot, humid conditions predispose plants to anthracnose infection.
Watering and rain can spread the fungal spores.
Proper spacing of plants reduces the risk of this disease.
As the diseased areas die, holes may appear in the foliage.
Remove any infected leaves, burn them, and apply a fungicide.
Creme de Cassis Hollyhock
Creme de Cassis bears striking raspberry-hued flowers with white rims on 6-foot stalks.
Unlike many varieties, this one blooms in its first year.
Indian Spring Hollyhock
Indian Spring produces single rose, yellow, white, orpink flowers.
Formerly known as Outhouse Hollyhock for the privacy it provides, this plant towers at 8 feet tall.
It grows 4 to 6 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 38.
The Watchman Hollyhock
The Watchman stands guard over your garden with 6- to 8-foot-tall stems.
The velvety maroonflowers look blackfrom a distance.
Hollyhock Companion Plants
Other cottage-garden flowers make classic companions for hollyhock.
Be sure to choose plants that thrive in the same light and soil conditions as hollyhock.
Clematis
Clematisis one of the most versatile vines you’re able to grow.
Few other climbers offer such a broad range of bloom colors, shapes, and seasons.
Dwarf clematis isideal for containerson decks and patios; medium-size varieties look great intertwined with small trees.
Most types of clematis prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
All parts of the plant are toxic to peopleand pets.
Taller types may need staking.
Some shrub roses may grow tall, with vigorous, far-reaching canes; others stay compact.
Recent rose breeding has focused on developing hardier shrub roses that need little maintenance.
No-Fuss Sun-Loving Garden Plan
This garden is the solution for your yards sunniest spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since hollyhocks are adept self-seeders, they readily spread.
Hollyhock seeds germinate faster aftera period of cold stratification.
Seedlings can be transplanted since their taproot isnt fully developed.
Skin Problems from Outdoor Plants.
