Introducing...
Hollyhocks
Botanical name: Alcea
Cottage garden stalwarts, hollyhocks are easy to grow from seed and will often obligingly self-seed around the garden. The tall elegant flower spikes are produced from the well-known biennials, but you can also try annuals and short-lived perennials too. Mix them with other summer favourites such as campanulas and hardy geraniums for weeks of colour in summer.
Looks
Tall, upright stems carry large, crinkle-petalled flowers in white or shades of pink, cream, apricot or dark dusky red, alternating with rough-textured leaves. Some have double flowers.
Likes
Hollyhocks will grow in most soils, including both heavy and dry soils, in full sun. They are well known for finding cracks in paving and at the base of walls, from which they can make striking displays from seemingly inhospitable ground.
Dislikes
Hollyhocks do not do well in shade. Tall stems can blow over in a windy spot, so may need staking.
Did you know?
Older plants are very prone to hollyhock rust, which causes heavy spotting on leaves and poor growth overall. To reduce the risk, replace with fresh plants every year (or every other year).
Growing guide
How to grow hollyhocks
All the information you will need to know to grow hollyhocks in your garden.
Hollyhocks we recommend
Alcea rosea 'Halo Blush' (Halo Series)
hollyhock 'Halo Blush'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Alcea rosea 'Nigra'
hollyhock 'Nigra'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Alcea rosea 'Mars Magic' (Spotlight Series)
hollyhock 'Mars Magic'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Alcea rosea 'Halo Blush' (Halo Series)
hollyhock 'Halo Blush'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Alcea rosea 'Nigra'
hollyhock 'Nigra'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Alcea rosea 'Mars Magic' (Spotlight Series)
hollyhock 'Mars Magic'
- 1.5–2.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Hollyhock rust
Perennial borders: choosing plants
Perennials: cutting back
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.