The hollyhock is considered conditionally hardy, which means it can tolerate some frost for a limited time. The hollyhock survives the winter down to around -8 °C or -10 °C without special protection, at lower temperatures it can have problems.
Some varieties of hollyhocks survive light frost, others must be brought into the warm before the onset of winter
How should the hollyhock overwinter?
It is best to inquire when buying the plant whether your hollyhock belongs to the winter-hardy varieties. When you buy seeds, this information is on the package. In a harsh area, cover the conditionally hardy species with a layer of foliage or brushwood. This protects them from the worst frost. The leaves of the hollyhocks will wither in winter anyway, so you don't have to worry about that.
If your hollyhock is not hardy, move the plant to a frost-free winter quarters in late autumn. Temperatures of around 8 °C to 12 °C are ideal, as this is where the hollyhocks feel most comfortable.
Water your hollyhocks about every two weeks and make sure that the root ball does not dry out completely in between. Outdoor plants may also be watered from time to time on frost-free days. You can do without fertilizer in winter. Recover your hollyhocks in April to prevent mallow rust.
The best winter tips for the hollyhock:
- overwinter sensitive varieties frost-free
- ideal temperature in the winter quarters: approx. 8 - 12 °C
- Cover less sensitive varieties with leaves or brushwood
- water about every two weeks
- Don't let the root ball dry out completely
- do not fertilize
tips
Even hardy varieties of hollyhock need winter protection in a harsh area during a longer frost period.