
HOLLYHOCK CARE
- Pruning: Individual hollyhock flowers can be removed when they fade and entire stalks can be cut back to the base after flowering. ...
- Soil: Provide rich, moist, well-drained soil for hollyhocks.
- Amendments and fertilizer: Hollyhocks can benefit from a light application of fertilizer or compost in the spring.
- Watering: ...
- Propagation: ...
- Diseases and pests: ...
- Over-wintering: ...
When should you cut back hollyhocks?
When Should You Cut Back Hollyhocks?
- Annual Pruning of Hollyhocks. Hollyhocks can be semi-evergreen in mild climates, even in those that see snow, as long as the snow remains to protect the plant.
- Deadheading Fading Flowers. Hollyhocks bloom from the bottom up. ...
- Removing Damaged and Diseased Leaves. Hollyhocks are prone to a fungal disease known as rust. ...
- Controlling the Hollyhock Size. ...
How to grow hollyhocks from seeds step by step?
How to Transplant Hollyhock Seedlings
- It's best to plant hollyhock seedlings outdoors when they're small, before they develop long taproots that don't transplant well.
- As recommended previously, for good transplanting results, sow the seeds in individual pots so that transplanting causes less distress to the roots.
- For the best results, sow seeds in individual biodegradable containers. ...
What grows well with hollyhocks?
What Grows Well With Hollyhocks?
- Cottage-style Gardens. Cottage-style gardens have a large variety of plants in flower beds that are typically 8 to 10 feet wide.
- Hydrangeas. Hydrangea (Hydrangea aborescens) is a perennial flowering shrub also used in cottage-style gardens. ...
- Daisies. ...
- Bee Balm and Coreopsis. ...
How to grow and care for hollyhocks?
Part 3 of 4: Watering and Caring for Hollyhocks
- Water hollyhocks regularly to keep the soil moist. Instead of following a regular schedule, the best gauge for knowing when to water is to stick your finger into the ...
- Apply an organic flower fertilizer to improve flower yields. Follow the application instructions provided for the product.
- Stake or tie up top-heavy plants. ...

What do you do with hollyhocks when they're done blooming?
When they're done blooming, they'll send out seeds and then die back to the ground for the winter. However, if you deadhead, you encourage the plant to send up another flush of blossoms in the late summer. Additionally, if you remove the spent heads, you prevent self-seeding.
When should hollyhocks be cut back?
By early September, hollyhocks will turn brown, and cutting them down is a good idea. Cutting back hollyhocks will keep their seeds from spreading across your garden, and help the plant survive through the winter.
How do you keep hollyhocks blooming all summer?
Always cut the stem above where new blooms are forming to ensure that the plant continues to flower. I have found that if you do this process a few times a week during the summer months that the Hollyhock will be much easier to tend to near the end of its blooming season.
How do you prepare hollyhocks for winter?
Prune the leaves and stems back to 6 inches (15 cm.) from the ground in fall. The hollyhocks then need a layer of organic material over the root zone to protect them from freezing. Use straw, compost, leaf litter or mulch.
Should I cut down my hollyhocks?
Stalks should be pruned off, or deadheaded, when there are more seed pods than flowers and buds. Deadheading down to a lateral bud stimulates more bloom and prevents the biennial from going to seed, encouraging it to grow for another season.
Are you supposed to deadhead hollyhocks?
Hollyhocks grow as biennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 10. The flowers don't require removal, or deadheading, to continue blooming, but pruning off the old flowers does improve the plant's appearance.
How many years do hollyhocks last?
two to three yearsFirst of all, hollyhocks are a short lived perennial. This means that most varieties will only live two to three years. Their lifespan can be extended some by removing growing hollyhock flowers as soon as they fade.
Does hollyhock come back every year?
Hollyhocks are relatives of the Hibiscus and grow best in garden zones 4 through 8. They appear to be perennials as they do come back year after year but they are actually biennials which self-seed prolifically.
How do you prune hollyhocks?
1:071:55Tree & Plant Care : How to Cut Back Hollyhocks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCompletely just chop up the stems down to the ground. And then that way they'll come back the nextMoreCompletely just chop up the stems down to the ground. And then that way they'll come back the next year beautifully. So the hollyhock is a beautiful plant that will grow in almost any climate.
Will hollyhocks survive winter?
In most cases, Hollyhock roots will survive the frost and will have new growth in the next season. However, the frost will damage any flowers or leaves that are not cut back.
Can hollyhocks withstand frost?
Hollyhock blooms are likely to survive a frost. Larkspur blooms are likely to survive a frost. Phlox blooms may survive a light frost. Rudbeckia (Black eyed Susan) blooms will survive frost.
Why didn't hollyhocks come up this year?
They are very susceptible to the disease, rust, and they usually need to be staked. Why didn't my hollyhock bloom this year? Hollyhocks do not usually bloom the first year from seed unless it is sown early. They also self-sow and the first year the seedlings will not bloom.
Do you cut back hollyhocks in winter?
End of season care No pruning is required, just remove any leaves that are heavily infected with rust disease through the summer and cut down the flower spikes when the flowers have faded. Hollyhocks are easy to grow from seed and will readily self-seed in your garden.
How do you trim hollyhocks?
1:071:55Tree & Plant Care : How to Cut Back Hollyhocks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you have a bed that you want to control always watch those seeds and I like to cut them backMoreSo if you have a bed that you want to control always watch those seeds and I like to cut them back to the ground as soon as the blooms are done blooming. And they start looking a little bit tacky I
How many years do hollyhocks last?
two to three yearsFirst of all, hollyhocks are a short lived perennial. This means that most varieties will only live two to three years. Their lifespan can be extended some by removing growing hollyhock flowers as soon as they fade.
Do hollyhocks grow back every year?
Hollyhocks are biennial or short-lived perennials. In the first year they put on root and foliage growth and in the second they flower, set seed and then die. Double hollyhocks are stunning but they don't have the appeal that single varieties have to pollinating bees.
How to grow Hollyhocks?
Hollyhocks are easy to grow, but they are not without their problems. When growing hollyhock flowers, you need to keep an eye out for rust. Rust will typically attack the lower leaves but it may spread to upper leaves. To help keep rust to a minimum, some tips on hollyhocks include: 1 Remember to water from below 2 Treatment with a fungicide 3 Make sure the plant has good air circulation
How to keep hollyhocks from rusting?
To help keep rust to a minimum, some tips on hollyhocks include: Remember to water from below. Treatment with a fungicide. Make sure the plant has good air circulation.
How long do Hollyhocks live?
First of all, hollyhocks are a short lived perennial. This means that most varieties will only live two to three years. Their lifespan can be extended some by removing growing hollyhock flowers as soon as they fade. If you live in a non-tropical region, cutting them back to the ground and mulching them will also help.
Do Hollyhocks need care?
Once you have planted your hollyhocks, they will need minimal care, but there are a few things you should be aware of when growing hollyho cks. Here are some tips on hollyhocks.
Can you grow Hollyhocks in a garden?
Now that you know how to plant hollyhocks, as well as how to grow hollyhocks, you can grow these wonderful flowers in your garden. Growing hollyhocks in your garden will add some drama and exciting height. Note: Chemical control should only be used as a last resort, as organic approaches are safer and more environmentally friendly.
How much light does a Hollyhock need?
Find a sunny spot. Hollyhock can tolerate part shade place, as long as it gets at least six hours of light a day , though its flowers may be smaller and less brightly colored.
What temperature does Hollyhock grow?
The growth temperature of Hollyhock is 25℃ -- 30℃ , and the most suitable temperature for the flowering stage is 26℃ -- 28℃. When the monthly average temperature is lower than 17℃, the flowering will be affected, and when the night temperature is lower than 14℃, the growth will be poor.
What is the white spot on my Hollyhock plant?
Hollyhock plant white spot is mainly harmful to the leaves of Hollyhock. At the beginning, there are small brown spots on the leaves of Hollyhock plants. With the development of the disease, the spots gradually expand to round, oval or irregular shapes, with gray-white in the center and reddish-brown in the outer edge. In a humid environment, there can be a gray-brown mildew layer on the spot.
How long does Hollyhock grow?
If growing conditions are proper and the plant is adaptable, Hollyhock can often live for more than two years. In some climates, Hollyhock is more like a short-term perennial. If you plant hollyhock seeds indoors, or if you live in an area that promises a long growing season, your Hollyhock may produce beautiful flowers in the first year after planting. Hollyhock is capable of self-seeding and producing a large crop of its own next year. You can also harvest the seeds in the fall when they are ripe.
Why are my Hollyhock leaves turning yellow?
Temperature: Hollyhock leaves may turn yellow because the temperature is too hot or too cold.
What are the colors of Hollyhocks?
Hollyhock flowers are racemes with single or unripe petals. Flower color varies from purple, pink, red, white and other colors. Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) bloom mid-summer with numerous flowers on tall spikes. The thin stems of the Hollyhock are densely covered with flowers, and the flower plate is large and colorful. Generally, Hollyhock will bloom the first year if growing from cuttings. If it is propagated from seed, it will not bloom until the next year. With proper maintenance, its flowering period can be extended. The calyx, bracts, leaves, and stems of the Hollyhock flower all have less delicate hairs, and the stems and leaves are more coarse. Keep reading on how to grow and care for the hollyhock plant.
When do Hollyhock seeds germinate?
Seeds sown in autumn will germinate in the next spring after winter.
When do hollyhocks bloom?
The bristly hollyhock (Alcea setosa): Flowering earlier than the common hollyhock, this species typically blooms from April to June, grows in USA hardiness zones 5 to 9, and the blooms are pink.
How long do hollyhocks last?
Tall hollyhocks are perfect for adding height and floral interest in a cut flower vase. They typically last a week to ten days once cut.
What is the most common hollyhock?
The most common species of hollyhock found in gardens is Alcea rosea, known as the common hollyhock. Many cultivars of this species are available, with some being more rust-resistant, taller, or cold-hardy than others.
Do Hollyhocks self seed?
Hollyhocks readily self-seed and, if you already have them in your garden, new plants will likely pop up the following year without any effort on your part. If you want to introduce them to your garden, growing them from seed isn't difficult. Follow these general tips for a more successful germination rate, but always check temperature and timing specifics for each species or cultivar:
Can you overwinter a seedling in a greenhouse?
If you sow se eds in the fall , you can overwinter them in a cold frame or greenhouse and they should flower the following year
Can Hollyhocks survive in shade?
Most hollyhocks can survive in partial shade, but they generally prefer a full sun position. These tall plants can flop in overly shady locations. If you live in a particularly hot and dry region, a partial shade location will prevent the lower leaves on your hollyhock from withering.
How to winterize Hollyhocks?
A haircut is the first step to preparing hollyhock for winter. Prune the leaves and stems back to 6 inches (15 cm.) from the ground in fall . The hollyhocks then need a layer of organic material over the root zone to protect them from freezing. Use straw, compost, leaf litter or mulch.
How long does it take for Hollyhock to bloom?
The plants are biennials and take two years from seed to bloom. Hollyhock in winter die back, but you still need to protect the roots in order to enjoy the impressive flower display in summer.
When do Hollyhocks bloom?
The growth is just vegetative in the first year but by the second year the stem begins to form and flowers appear near the beginning of summer. The huge stalks boast numerous flared blooms that last for weeks.
Can Hollyhocks be overwintered?
Overwintering Hollyhocks Indoors. Most USDA plant hardiness zones will not need to do anything special for hollyhock winter care. However, zones that have hard freezes will either need to treat the plants as annuals or provide protection for hollyhock in winter.
How to winterize hollyhocks?
Pruning your hollyhocks is the first step to winterizing the plant. Prune the leaves back by about 15 centimetres from the ground in autumn. Then, be sure to add a layer of organic material over the roots to protect them from freezing. You can do this using straw, leaf litter, compost or mulch.
How long do hollyhocks take to grow?
From seed, most hollyhocks will see seedlings emerge within 12 to 21 days.
What Is Hollyhock?
Hollyhock, also known as the Althea rosea, is a herbaceous plant of the hibiscus family. The flower is native to China but has been widely cultivated for its beautiful blooms.
Do you deadhead hollyhocks?
As with most plants, deadheading hollyhocks is not essential but it is a good idea. By deadheading hollyhocks, you can keep the blooms going for longer throughout the season, as well as keep your plants looking nice and tidy. Deadheading your hollyhocks will also encourage them to produce more flowers and will minimize reseeding.
Can I plant hollyhocks in pots?
It is not advised that you plant most varieties of hollyhocks in pots as they can grow to be rather large and may become too restricted within a confined space. However, there are certain hybrids of hollyhock that are miniature. These are best suited for pots as they will remain smaller and can be better managed in containers.
Are hollyhocks poisonous to dogs?
Hollyhocks are not considered to be poisonous if dogs ingest them. However, touching them can cause dermatitis in both pets and people. These plants can trigger contact dermatitis or allergic dermatitis, both of which can result in irritation of the skin or mouth. If you suspect your dog has wandered through hollyhocks or perhaps ingested some, bathe your dog with a gentle shampoo and rinse its mouth with water.
How long does it take for Hollyhock to grow?
Typically, hollyhock plants take about a year to grow from seed. You can plant hollyhock seeds in the later months of summer to enjoy blooms the following summer. Alternatively, you can wait until late in winter or early in spring if you plan to start any transplants indoors.
How to get hollyhocks to bloom?
Wait until the second year and they should flower. Hollyhocks are old and lovely plants that look great in farm and cottage gardens. Cut the perennial hollyhock in half after it has bloomed for the first time.
How to protect hollyhocks from fungus?
Continue to prune out old flower stalks and those showing fungal disease symptoms as needed. Cut back the entire hollyhock plant after it finishes flowering. Cover the ground around the perennial hollyhock with mulch to protect it for the winter .
How tall do Hollyhocks get?
Hollyhocks are old and lovely plants that look great in farm and cottage gardens. They have tall stalks, reaching six to eight feet in height, covered in colorful blooms. While hollyhocks are biennials, they can be treated as perennials and will grow back for several years if they are properly cared for. Cutting back perennial hollyhocks is ...
What are some old and lovely plants that look great in farm and cottage gardens?
Hollyhocks are old and lovely plants that look great in farm and cottage gardens.
Do Hollyhocks grow back?
Warning. If you do not cut back the perennial hollyhocks, they may not grow back the following year . Perennial hollyhocks self-seed if the flowers are left on the plant. If you do not cut back the perennial hollyhocks, they may not grow back the following year.
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About This Article
This article was co-authored by Andi Xoch and by wikiHow staff writer, Nihal Shetty. Andi Xoch is a Plant Specialist and the Owner of Latinx with Plants, a plant shop and resource based in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience in the plant and garden industry, she specializes in plant maintenance, growth, and education.
