How to Grow and Care for Common hollyhock

Common hollyhock, also known as Rose mallow, Garden hollyhock, Black hollyhock

Common hollyhock is a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow perennial known for its tall, colorful spikes of flowers. Special care points include ensuring well-drained soil to prevent root rot and providing support for the tall stalks to prevent them from toppling over in strong winds. Regular watering during dry periods will sustain common hollyhock's bloom but avoid over-watering to keep health issues at bay.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Common hollyhock

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial, Biennial, Annual
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	2-10

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Varieties of Common hollyhock

Common hollyhock 'Nigra'

Common hollyhock 'Nigra' is known for its tall, sturdy stems reaching up to 6 feet, adorned with deep maroon to black flowers that resemble old-fashioned rosettes. This striking biennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, often attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its dramatic hue stands out in traditional cottage gardens, where it adds a touch of gothic elegance among lighter blooms.

Common hollyhock 'Spring Celebrities White'

A cultivar of the Common hollyhock (Alcea rosea), common hollyhock 'Spring Celebrities White' is selected to be a dwarf-sized ornamental plant with sturdy, ruffled, double, or semi-double flowers. The name 'Spring Celebrities White' refers to the white color of its flowers.

Common hollyhock 'Spring Celebrities Carmine Rose'

Common hollyhock 'Spring Celebrities Carmine Rose' is different from other hollyhocks because of its short height but excellent double and colorful blooms. Growing in all shades of pink and red, this cultivar was produced as a hybrid of other hollyhock varieties. It was named after its springtime celebrity-like bursts of flowers that are strikingly similar in appearance to roses, which is a major part of their high popularity.

Common hollyhock 'Mars Magic'

The common hollyhock 'Mars Magic' offers single red flowers that are even more brilliantly colored than the planet for which they're named. Unlike most hollyhocks, this is a true perennial, not a biennial. The plant is part of the Spotlight Series of hollyhock cultivars introduced in 2010 by Jelitto. It is perfect to plant at the back of borders, where it adds height and a burst of bold color.

Common hollyhock 'Radiant Rose'

The common hollyhock 'Radiant Rose' offers unique rose-pink single flowers on tall stems. Unlike most hollyhocks, this is a true perennial, not a biennial. The plant is part of the Spotlight Series of hollyhock cultivars introduced in 2010 by Jelitto. This easy-to-grow sun-loving plant makes an attractive backdrop to a border, adding height and color.

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More General Info About Common hollyhock

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Quickly Identify Common hollyhock

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Common hollyhock exhibit towering stalks reaching up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, adorned with a profusion of large, showy flowers each about 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 centimeters) in diameter. These blooms come in a spectrum of hues ranging from white to dark red. The plant features broad, rough leaves with a heart-shaped base and a slightly lobed edge. The substantial stems are sturdy, capable of supporting the heavy flowers yet may require staking in windy areas. The foliage forms a low rosette around the base of the plant.