PlotPal

Hollyhock

Hollyhock is listed botanically as Alcea rosea. It may also be listed as Common Hollyhock, garden hollyhock, rose mallow, common hollyhock. Tall cottage-garden biennial or short-lived perennial with towering flower spikes that are valuable to bees and other pollinators. PlotPal's canonical care record lists full sun and moderate water needs. The current taxonomy reference places it in the genus Alcea and in the family Malvaceae. PlotPal currently carries Hollyhock as an outdoor growing and flower reference. Growing note: Grow in full sun with good airflow and well-drained soil. Stake tall stems in exposed sites and remove badly rusted lower leaves promptly. Many hollyhocks self-seed, so leave some seed heads if you want them to return. Propagation or sowing note: Direct sow in late spring or early summer for flowers the following year, or start indoors and transplant carefully. Plant-health prevention note: Space plants generously, water at soil level, remove infected leaves, and clear diseased debris at season's end to reduce rust carryover. Pest-prevention note: Inspect foliage for beetle feeding and mites, and protect young plants from slugs when necessary. Common pests in the reference include Spider mites, Japanese beetles, Slugs. Common plant-health issues in the reference include Hollyhock rust, Leaf spot, Powdery mildew. Use this guide as practical growing context, then adjust decisions to the actual weather, soil, container or bed, variety, and conditions in your garden.