Hollyhocks, classified under the genus Alcea in the Malvaceae family, are cherished for their tall, vibrant flower spikes that add dramatic height to landscapes. Native to Asia and Europe, particularly southwestern and central China, these biennials or short-lived perennials thrive in temperate regions, including USDA zones 3–9. Their blossoms, appearing in summer, attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, making them a staple in both ornamental and ecological settings. These plants are valued for their bold presence and ability to enhance diverse garden styles.
The foliage of Alcea species is typically broad, lobed, and slightly rough, with a deep green hue that complements their vivid blooms. Native to Asia’s mountainous and steppe regions, the leaves are adapted to sunny, well-drained conditions, though they can tolerate some drought. This sturdy foliage supports the towering stems, which can reach up to 8 feet, creating a striking backdrop in gardens across their native and cultivated ranges.
Ecologically, hollyhocks play a key role in their native regions by providing nectar for pollinators, supporting biodiversity in European and Asian ecosystems. Their tall, upright growth makes them ideal for borders or as natural screens in open landscapes. However, in non-native areas, their prolific self-seeding can lead to invasiveness, so careful management is needed to prevent them from outcompeting local flora.
Culturally, Alcea plants hold significance in their native areas, often symbolizing ambition or fertility in Asian and European traditions. Their towering blooms have been used in herbal remedies in China, while in Europe, they’re a classic feature of cottage gardens. The plants’ striking colors and forms have also inspired art and literature, cementing their place in cultural heritage across these regions.
In landscaping, hollyhocks are versatile, thriving in full sun and well-drained soils typical of their native Chinese and European habitats. They suit cottage gardens, mixed borders, or as vertical accents against walls or fences. Their height often requires staking in windy areas, and their susceptibility to rust, a common fungal disease, necessitates good air circulation and debris cleanup for healthy growth.
Despite their beauty, Alcea species require mindful planting outside their native ranges to avoid ecological disruption due to their self-seeding nature. In their native Asia and Europe, they remain low-maintenance and hardy, offering both aesthetic and ecological benefits. Selecting rust-resistant varieties and monitoring their spread ensures hollyhocks enhance gardens while preserving the balance of local ecosystems.
Hollyhock Flowers
Chater’s Double Yellow
This biennial grows 5–7 feet with fully double, bright yellow flowers resembling pom-poms. Blooming from July to September in full sun, it thrives in well-drained soil and adds a sunny glow to cottage gardens. Its double blooms limit pollinator access, and it’s prone to rust, requiring good air circulation.
Majorette Mixed
A compact biennial reaching 2–3 feet, this mix offers single and semi-double flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. Blooming in summer, it suits small gardens or containers in sunny spots. Native to Asia, it attracts bees and is less rust-prone due to its shorter stature.
Queeny Purple
This dwarf perennial, growing to 2–3 feet, produces vibrant purple, double flowers in summer. Native to China, it thrives in full sun and is ideal for borders or pots. Its compact size requires no staking, but double blooms reduce pollinator appeal. Rust prevention is key.
Mars Magic
Part of the Spotlight series, this perennial grows 5–6 feet with single, bright red flowers and yellow throats. Blooming from June to August in full sun, it’s rust-resistant and attracts hummingbirds and bees. Native to Asia, it’s perfect for wildlife gardens or as a bold backdrop.
Halo White
A biennial reaching 5–8 feet, this variety has single, pure white flowers with yellow centers, blooming in summer. Native to China, it thrives in sunny, well-drained sites and supports pollinators. Its clean color brightens borders, but staking may be needed in windy areas.
Chater’s Double Maroon
Growing 5–7 feet, this biennial boasts double, deep maroon flowers with a velvety texture. Native to Asia, it blooms from July to September in full sun, adding drama to cottage gardens. Double blooms limit pollinator value, and rust management is essential with good spacing.
Indian Spring
This biennial, reaching 6–8 feet, offers a mix of single pink, rose, and white flowers. Native to China, it blooms in summer in full sun and attracts bees and butterflies. Ideal for tall borders or fences, it self-seeds readily but requires rust monitoring.
Spring Celebrities Crimson
A compact perennial growing to 3–4 feet, this variety produces double, rich crimson flowers in summer. Native to Asia, it thrives in full sun and suits small gardens or containers. Its vibrant color adds impact, though double blooms are less pollinator-friendly.
Chater’s Double White
This biennial grows 5–7 feet with double, snowy-white flowers, blooming from July to September. Native to China, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, ideal for cottage gardens. Staking is often needed, and its double flowers offer limited pollinator benefits.
Halo Blush
A biennial reaching 5–8 feet, this variety features single, soft pink flowers with darker pink centers, blooming in summer. Native to Asia, it’s rust-resistant and attracts pollinators, making it great for wildlife gardens. It thrives in sunny spots and self-seeds easily.
Summer Carnival
This biennial grows 5–7 feet with a mix of double flowers in pink, red, yellow, and white. Native to China, it blooms from June to August in full sun, adding festive color to borders. Its double blooms reduce pollinator appeal, and rust prevention is crucial.
Nigra
A striking biennial reaching 5–6 feet, Nigra produces single, deep maroon to near-black flowers with yellow throats. Native to Asia, it blooms in summer in full sun, attracting bees. Its dramatic hue suits gothic or cottage gardens, with moderate rust resistance.
Polarstar
Part of the Spotlight series, this perennial grows 5–6 feet with single, pure white flowers and yellow centers. Native to China, it blooms from June to August, thriving in sunny, well-drained sites. Rust-resistant and pollinator-friendly, it’s ideal for borders or native gardens.
Chater’s Double Scarlet
This biennial, growing 5–7 feet, features double, vivid scarlet flowers, blooming from July to September. Native to Asia, it thrives in full sun and adds bold color to cottage gardens. Its double blooms limit pollinator access, and staking is recommended in exposed areas.
requested.
Chater’s Double Violet
This biennial reaches 5–7 feet with lush, double violet-purple flowers, blooming from July to September in full sun. Native to Asia, it thrives in well-drained soil and adds a regal touch to cottage gardens. Its double blooms limit pollinator access, and rust prevention requires good air circulation and spacing.
Halo Cerise
A biennial growing 5–8 feet, this variety produces single, cerise-pink flowers with deep pink centers, blooming in summer. Native to China, it’s rust-resistant and attracts bees and hummingbirds, making it ideal for wildlife gardens. It prefers full sun and self-seeds readily in well-drained sites.
Spring Celebrities White
This compact perennial, reaching 3–4 feet, offers double, pure white flowers in summer. Native to Asia, it thrives in full sun and suits small gardens or containers. Its double blooms reduce pollinator appeal, but its size eliminates staking needs. Rust monitoring is essential for healthy growth.
Radiant Rose
A biennial growing 6–8 feet, Radiant Rose features single, vibrant rose-pink flowers with yellow throats, blooming from June to August. Native to China, it attracts pollinators and thrives in sunny, well-drained spots. Ideal for borders or fences, it self-seeds and requires rust prevention.
Chater’s Double Apricot
This biennial, reaching 5–7 feet, boasts double, soft apricot flowers with a peachy glow, blooming in summer. Native to Asia, it’s a cottage garden favorite but offers limited pollinator value due to its double form. It needs full sun, staking in windy areas, and rust management.
Spotlight Sunshine
Part of the Spotlight series, this perennial grows 5–6 feet with single, bright yellow flowers and pale centers, blooming from June to August. Native to China, it’s rust-resistant and pollinator-friendly, perfect for wildlife gardens or sunny borders. It thrives in well-drained soil with full sun.
Fiesta Time Pink
A dwarf biennial reaching 2–3 feet, this variety produces double, soft pink flowers in summer. Native to Asia, it’s ideal for containers or small gardens, thriving in full sun. Its compact size and vibrant blooms add charm, though double flowers limit pollinator access.
Chater’s Double Red
Growing 5–7 feet, this biennial features double, rich red flowers, blooming from July to September. Native to China, it thrives in full sun and adds bold color to cottage gardens. Staking is often needed, and its double blooms reduce appeal for pollinators, with rust prevention required.
Halo Lavender
This biennial, reaching 5–8 feet, has single, lavender-purple flowers with darker veins, blooming in summer. Native to Asia, it’s rust-resistant and attracts bees and butterflies, making it great for wildlife gardens. It prefers sunny, well-drained sites and self-seeds easily.
Spring Celebrities Lemon
A compact perennial growing to 3–4 feet, this variety offers double, pale lemon-yellow flowers in summer. Native to China, it suits small gardens or pots in full sun. Its double blooms limit pollinator value, but its size makes it low-maintenance, with rust monitoring needed.
Country Romance Mix
This biennial mix, reaching 5–7 feet, produces single and semi-double flowers in pink, white, and yellow shades, blooming from June to August. Native to Asia, it thrives in full sun and attracts pollinators, ideal for cottage or wildlife gardens. Rust prevention is crucial.
Chater’s Double Cream
A biennial growing 5–7 feet, this variety features double, creamy-white flowers, blooming in summer. Native to China, it thrives in full sun and adds elegance to borders. Its double blooms limit pollinator access, and staking is needed in windy areas, along with rust management.
Antwerp Mixed
This biennial, reaching 6–8 feet, offers single flowers in a range of colors including pink, red, yellow, and white. Native to Asia, it blooms in summer in full sun, attracting bees and butterflies. Ideal for tall borders, it self-seeds but requires rust prevention and staking.
Spotlight Mars Magic Red
A perennial growing 5–6 feet, this Spotlight series variety has single, deep red flowers with yellow throats, blooming from June to August. Native to China, it’s rust-resistant and pollinator-friendly, thriving in sunny, well-drained sites. It’s perfect for wildlife gardens or as a bold focal point.