How to Grow Hollyhock
Alcea rosea
Hollyhocks are classic cottage garden perennials that produce towering spikes of flowers year after year. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, stake stems early to prevent wind damage, and spray preventatively against rust. They are short-lived (2-4 years) but self-seed freely to maintain the colony indefinitely.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring as growth begins, then switch to a high-potash feed monthly during the flowering season to prolong blooms.
Watch For
- Hollyhock rust (Phragmidium malvacearum)
- Slug and snail damage on young plants
- Aphids
- Leaf spot
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, sheltered from wind
Needs full sun for best flowering. Plant against a wall or fence for shelter from strong winds that can snap the tall stems.
Watering
Moderate, at soil level
Water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage (which promotes rust). Keep evenly moist during flowering but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing
Balanced in spring, high-potash in summer
Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring as growth begins. Switch to a high-potash feed monthly during flowering to prolong blooms.
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Cut flowering stems to the base rosette after blooming. Remove all old stems at season end to reduce rust spore overwintering.
Support
Stake stems early
Install stakes when stems reach 60 cm. Hollyhocks grow over 2 m and snap easily in wind. Tie loosely at intervals up the stem.
