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Alcea rosea

Hollyhock

Hollyhock

This description was machine-translated.

Description

Alcea rosea, commonly known as hollyhock, is a biennial to short‑lived perennial in the mallow family. In its first year it forms a low rosette of leaves; from the second year a single, unbranched stem rises up to two metres, bearing funnel‑shaped flowers arranged in tiers. The flowers come in white, pink, red, purple and nearly black varieties and are edible, suitable for tea or salad garnish.

Care instructions

Plant in full sun on a south‑facing wall or fence for maximum warmth and wind protection. The soil should be deep, well‑drained, and rich in humus to allow the taproot to develop; avoid waterlogged conditions. Water regularly during dry spells, keeping the soil moist but not saturated to prevent fungal disease. To encourage continuous blooming, leave some spent stems with mature seeds on the plant and remove them only in spring.

Soil & site

LightFull sun
HardinessHardy

Diseases & pests

2 relevant

From the knowledge base, automatically linked by affected species.

PestlowApr–Sep
Pyrrhocoris apterus

Pyrrhocoris apterus

DiseasemediumMay–Oct
Puccinia malvacearum

Puccinia malvacearum

Notes from real gardens

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