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Annual BiennialHerbaceous Perennial

Alcea rosea 'Nigra'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

hollyhock 'Nigra'

'Nigra' is a vigorous biennial or short-lived perennial, to 2m tall, with shallowly-lobed, rounded leaves and long erect racemes of single, open funnel-shaped, deep chocolate-maroon flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Clay
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Stake (see staking perennials) on exposed sites

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat in mid-winter 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 after flowering

Pests

Young growth can be attacked by slugs and caterpillars; flea beetles occasionally causes significant defoliation

Diseases

Susceptible to a hollyhock rust

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