It should not be missing in the classic cottage garden, but the tall growing and colorful flowering hollyhock also cuts a fine figure in any other garden. The mallow plant requires a little care, but it is not complicated.

Hollyhocks are not actually roses at all, but belong to the mallow family

Are there different types of hollyhocks?

In the genus of hollyhocks from the mallow family, about 60 different species are common in Europe and Asia. Some of them are used as ornamental plants in our gardens, above all the common hollyhock, lat. Alcea rosea. It is also known under the names hollyhock, garden hollyhock or farmer's rose. The black-red flowering Alcea rosea nigra is particularly decorative; it grows up to 2.20 m tall.

Hollyhocks with double flowers are also very popular, for example the Alcea rosea pleniflora with its beautiful rose-red flowers. At around 1.70 m, the Alcea ficifolia is not quite as large as other species, but it is available in different colors, such as yellow, pink or red.

How do I plant hollyhocks?

The hollyhock prefers a spot in full sun, but it also tolerates light shade, but less wind. Due to its tall growth, it easily tips over in the wind, so it should be supported or tied if possible. A planting distance of about 40 cm to the neighboring plant is recommended so that the leaf rosette has enough space. The hollyhock gets along well with other plants from the cottage garden such as delphiniums, daisies or lupins.

In groups or on fences and walls, hollyhocks are particularly decorative. Then the plants support each other or they can be easily fixed to the fence. Plant the hollyhock in a permeable and nutrient-rich soil, which you can enrich with compost or well-rotted manure if necessary. Add a little coarse sand or gravel to loosen it up.

How do I care for hollyhocks?

Since hollyhocks have a fairly high nutrient requirement, you should fertilize these plants regularly, twice a year, for example in spring and autumn is sufficient if the soil is good. Organic fertilizers such as compost, horn shavings (€32.93) or well-rotted stable manure are not only good alternatives and preferable to chemical fertilizers in natural gardens.

Watering is also necessary relatively often with the hollyhock. She is quite thirsty, but does not tolerate waterlogging. In summer during the flowering period you should water these plants daily, especially if it stays dry for a long time. This is how you contribute to the health of your hollyhock.

Diseases and pests of hollyhocks

Although hollyhocks are quite robust, the mallow rust often causes them problems. You can prevent this by not planting the hollyhocks too densely, providing them with sufficient nutrients and giving them plenty of sun. In the case of moisture, the rust fungus has an easy job. But snails also sometimes damage the hollyhock, because they like to eat the young leaves.

Are hollyhocks hardy?

Hollyhocks are considered conditionally hardy. They withstand temperatures down to about - 8 °C or - 10 °C well. At lower temperatures you can put a winter protection of leaves or sticks over the plant. The above-ground parts of the plant wither in winter, they can be cut off in autumn.

After flowering or seed formation in the second year, the hollyhock usually dies. Overwintering in frost-free rooms is only recommended for young plants of sensitive varieties that will not flower until next year or if you want to encourage old plants to flower next year. Then you have to cut off the withered flowers before seed formation.

The most important thing about hollyhocks in short:

  • Location: as sunny as possible
  • Soil: rich in nutrients and permeable
  • moderately hardy
  • Flowering time: around July to September
  • fertilize twice a year
  • water regularly
  • susceptible to mallow rust
  • likes to be eaten by snails
  • usually biennial
  • Longevity can be extended by pruning before seed formation

tips

Hollyhocks not only decorate cottage gardens, they also beautify house walls and walls. All you need is a small crack in the wall, which you can upgrade with some compost and regular watering.

Category:

Vegetable garden