Alcea Mix

Alcea, commonly known as hollyhock, is usually grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial. Many plants spend their first year developing roots and leaves, then produce their tall flower stems in the following summer. This is normal, so a healthy leafy plant without flowers in its first season is not necessarily a problem. Give Alcea a sunny position, well-drained soil and time to establish for the best flowering display.

Orange, yellow or brown raised spots on hollyhock leaves are usually signs of hollyhock rust, a fungal disease that commonly affects Alcea. Remove affected leaves promptly and clear away all dead foliage at the end of the season to reduce spores carrying over to the following year. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering and give plants enough space for good airflow. Heavily affected plants should be removed rather than composted.

Alcea produces tall flower spikes that can need support in exposed gardens. Grow hollyhocks in full sun, in moderately fertile, well-drained soil, ideally near a wall, fence or other sheltered position. Use canes or plant supports early in the season before stems become tall and top-heavy. Plants grown in too much shade may become weaker and flower less well.

Alcea grows best in full sun and will tolerate a wide range of soils, including heavier and drier areas, provided water does not sit around the roots for long periods. Hollyhocks are especially effective planted against sunny walls, fences and the back of borders, where their height can be used to create a strong vertical display. Water young plants during dry periods until they are established.

Alcea plants can live for more than 1 year, but they are often grown as biennials because older plants are more likely to develop rust. After flowering, hollyhocks may self-seed and produce new plants nearby, helping to maintain a display from year to year. Leave some healthy seedheads in place if you would like new seedlings, or remove faded flowers before seeds develop if you want to limit self-seeding.