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Annual Biennial

Alcea ficifolia
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Antwerp hollyhock

A more vigorous species and short-lived perennial with distinctive lobed rounded fig-leave type foliage. Has long, erect pyramids of very large open funnel-shaped single flowers in shades of yellow, copper, pink, red and white in summer and early autumn.

Other common names
fig hollyhock
fig leaf hollyhock
Synonyms
Althaea ficifolia
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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 Green
Summer Yellow Pink Red White Green
Autumn Yellow Pink Red White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to the UK
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

Will grow well in slightly fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Staking might be necessary in exposed areas

Propagation

Propagate by seed

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

Cut back dead foliage after flowering or pull out and discard

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and flea beetles

Diseases

May be susceptible to rust

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