All about Hollyhock - Garden Plants and Gardening Forum

lspichkin · 06-12-2008, 11:47 AM

The hollyhocks comprise about 60 species of flowering plants in the genus Alcea, native to southwest and central Asia. They are biennial or short-lived perennial plants growing to 3.5 m tall, with broad, rounded, palmately lobed leaves and numerous flowers, pink or yellow in the wild species, on the erect central stem.

Hollyhocks are popular garden ornamental plants, cultivars selected, particularly from A. rosea. The flowers have been selected for variations in colour, with dark purple, red and white-flowered plants available in addition to the colours found in wild plants.
Hollyhocks are very drought resistant, and do well in full sun locations that might be too hot or dry for other plants. They produce large, flat coin-shaped seeds (1/2" diameter) that seem to grow easily wherever they drop. While an individual plant might only live a handful of years, by that time chances are good it will leave plenty of descendants. They have very long taproots which make transplanting difficult.

Growing Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks grow well in zones 4-10 and thrive in full sun. Plant seeds in the spring, about a foot or so apart, with only a very thin layer of soil to cover. The seeds should germinate in about 10-15 days. In your first year the plant will produce leaves only, with flowers appearing in following year. Make sure to surround the plant with a healthy amount of compost and water them heavily during the growth season. Once the leaves have died, cut the plant back to the ground to grow again the following year.

Hollyhocks can grow up to 6-8 feet tall making them a favorite for growing along walls, fences and behind others plants in a garden. Make sure to stake them securely if you live in a windy area. They self sow, so while a single plant may not live for more than a couple of years your Hollyhock display will continue to grow.

More Links

Hollyhocks diseases and pests
Make a Hollyhock house in the kid's garden
Buy Hollyhock seeds online

antrim777 · 11-06-2009, 01:59 PM

There are many varieties of Hollyhock and it all looks beautiful! When you plant Hollyhock flower seeds, you can't go wrong.

06-12-2008, 11:47 AM	#1
lspichkin Administrator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: West Hollywood, CA Posts: 221 Images: 88	All about Hollyhock The hollyhocks comprise about 60 species of flowering plants in the genus Alcea, native to southwest and central Asia. They are biennial or short-lived perennial plants growing to 3.5 m tall, with broad, rounded, palmately lobed leaves and numerous flowers, pink or yellow in the wild species, on the erect central stem. Hollyhocks are popular garden ornamental plants, cultivars selected, particularly from A. rosea. The flowers have been selected for variations in colour, with dark purple, red and white-flowered plants available in addition to the colours found in wild plants. Hollyhocks are very drought resistant, and do well in full sun locations that might be too hot or dry for other plants. They produce large, flat coin-shaped seeds (1/2" diameter) that seem to grow easily wherever they drop. While an individual plant might only live a handful of years, by that time chances are good it will leave plenty of descendants. They have very long taproots which make transplanting difficult. Growing Hollyhocks Hollyhocks grow well in zones 4-10 and thrive in full sun. Plant seeds in the spring, about a foot or so apart, with only a very thin layer of soil to cover. The seeds should germinate in about 10-15 days. In your first year the plant will produce leaves only, with flowers appearing in following year. Make sure to surround the plant with a healthy amount of compost and water them heavily during the growth season. Once the leaves have died, cut the plant back to the ground to grow again the following year. Hollyhocks can grow up to 6-8 feet tall making them a favorite for growing along walls, fences and behind others plants in a garden. Make sure to stake them securely if you live in a windy area. They self sow, so while a single plant may not live for more than a couple of years your Hollyhock display will continue to grow. More Links Hollyhocks diseases and pests Make a Hollyhock house in the kid's garden Buy Hollyhock seeds online Last edited by lspichkin; 06-12-2008 at 02:31 PM.

11-06-2009, 01:59 PM	#2
antrim777 Green Gardener Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Salem, OR Posts: 1	There are many varieties of Hollyhock and it all looks beautiful! When you plant Hollyhock flower seeds, you can't go wrong. __________________ <a href="http://www.outsidepride.com/">Grass Seed</a>

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