Go Back Hollyhock Black

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 3:57 PM
Alcea Rosea Nigra
    Butterfly IconHummingbird Icon

    Plant Type: Perennials

    A novelty selection that is a must have for collectors! Single, deep chocolate-maroon (nearly black!) flowers are produced on tall, strong stalks, opening from the bottom up over a long period in summer. The leaves are deeply lobed in classic Alcea form. Feel free to grow hollyhocks under Black Walnut trees; they are tolerant of the toxic juglone that is emitted through the trees' roots.  Hollyhocks are best treated as a biennial or short lived perennial, but will sometimes reseed themselves for many years.

    Currently not available for online purchase.

    Growing & Maintenance Tips:

    Hollyhocks provide excellent architectural height in the garden and make good backdrops for lower growing perennials. Try growing them in the cottage garden style by planting them up against a wall or picket fence. Though their stalks are very strong, they may need to be staked if they are planted in a windy site. Hollyhocks prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. They need full sun to really perform in the landscape. Watch for Japanese Beetles; this plant is one of their favorite! Feel free to grow hollyhocks under Black Walnut trees; they are tolerant of the toxic juglone that is emitted through the trees' roots. Hollyhocks are best treated as a biennial or short-lived perennial.

    Flower Color

    Deep chocolate-maroon

    Foliage Color

    Green

    Plant Spread

    18-24 in.

    Good Companions

    Baby's Breath (Gypsophila paniculata), Bellflower-Spotted (Campanula punctata), Blue Mist Shrub (Caryopteris ), Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii), Gayfeather (Liatris spicata), Grass-Ornamental (Pennisetum orientale), Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber), Rose Mallow (Hibiscus ), Tickseed (Coreopsis )

    Plant Height

    4-6 ft.

    Scape Height

    —

    Hardness Zone

    2-8

    Soil Moisture

    Average water needs

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    Dried flower, Border, Mass Plant, Cut flower or foliage, Specimen

    Bloom Time

    Mid-summer

    Critter Resistance

    —

    Exposure

    Full sun

    Growth Rate

    Rapid

    Seasonal Interests

    —