common hollyhock
Alcea rosea
Tall, showy biennial or short-lived perennial with large, colorful, single or double flowers on spikes; easy to grow, attracts pollinators and suits cottage borders.
Pet-Friendly Plant
Toxicity: non toxic
Alcea rosea (hollyhock) is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs; ingesting large amounts of any plant material may cause mild stomach upset.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place hollyhocks in full sun where they receive at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hot inland areas provide afternoon light shade to prevent scorching; against a fence or southern exposure is ideal.
Water
Water deeply and infrequently: soak the root zone, then allow the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil to dry between waterings. In drought or heat increase frequency; avoid waterlogging which promotes crown rot and rust.
Humidity
Hollyhocks tolerate average garden humidity. Avoid prolonged leaf wetness and high humidity around foliage to reduce rust and fungal problems; space plants for air circulation and water at the soil level.
Temperature
Best grown roughly between -30°C and 35°C (-22°F to 95°F). They tolerate cold winters and appreciate warm, not extreme, summer heat for best flowering.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Orange or brown pustules on undersides of leaves (rust)
Cause: Fungal pathogen (hollyhock rust) favored by wet foliage and poor air circulation
Solution: Remove infected foliage, improve spacing and airflow, avoid overhead watering; apply a copper or sulfur fungicide if severe
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth
Cause: Poor drainage, inconsistent watering, or nutrient deficiency
Solution: Ensure deep watering and good drainage, add balanced fertilizer in spring, correct soil pH and improve organic matter
Holes in leaves and skeletonized foliage
Cause: Insect pests such as caterpillars, beetles or slugs
Solution: Handpick larger pests, use insecticidal soap or Bacillus thuringiensis for caterpillars, set slug traps and encourage predators
Soft, mushy crown or rotted roots
Cause: Waterlogged soil or poor drainage leading to fungal rot
Solution: Improve drainage, reduce watering, remove and discard affected plants; replant in raised beds or amend soil with grit
✂️How to Propagate common hollyhock
By seed: sow outdoors in fall for natural stratification or start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; press seeds 3–6 mm deep and keep soil moist until germination. Thin seedlings to 30–45 cm apart. By division: lift crowns in early spring, divide healthy clumps, and replant ensuring roots are covered and watered. Seeds self-sow readily, making regeneration simple.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Malvaceae
Native to: Native to parts of Asia and southeastern Europe, including the Mediterranean and China.
Natural Habitat: Grows naturally in open meadows, roadsides and disturbed ground in full sun on well-drained to moderately fertile soils; tolerates dry spells and poor soils.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Leave crowns protected with a 5–10 cm mulch in cold climates; cut back tall stalks after frost and remove debris to reduce overwintering rust.
Spring
Start seeds or divide crowns, thin seedlings to spacing, apply a balanced fertilizer and stake young plants to support future flower spikes.
Summer
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering, water deeply during dry spells, and monitor for rust and pests; provide stakes for tall cultivars.
Fall
Collect seeds if desired, allow some self-seeding, cut back foliage after first hard frost and apply mulch to protect crowns in colder zones.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Are hollyhocks perennial or biennial?
Common hollyhocks are often grown as biennials or short-lived perennials; many varieties self-seed to maintain plants year to year.
How do I prevent hollyhock rust?
Avoid overhead watering, space plants for airflow, remove infected leaves promptly, and apply fungicide if needed.
When do hollyhocks bloom?
They typically bloom in mid to late summer, producing tall flower spikes that last several weeks.
Do hollyhocks need staking?
Tall varieties benefit from staking or support to prevent flopping in wind or heavy rain.
Can I grow hollyhocks in containers?
They can be grown in deep, large containers with good soil and drainage but do best in-ground due to deep roots and height.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025