A short-lived perennial with lobed rounded leaves and long, erect pyramids of open funnel-shaped flowers that can be single, semi-double and double all at once in one stem. Petals are dark burgundy edged pale pink with intricate dark red veins in summer.
1.5-2.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. May need support on exposed sites, see staking perennials
Propagate by seed, sown in gentle heat in midwinter, or in situ in spring
Cut back dead foliage after flowering, or pull out and discard - growing as annuals or biennials can help limit the spread of rust
May be susceptible to cutworms and slugs on young growth, and to capsid bugs, aphids and mallow flea beetles
May be susceptible to hollyhock rust