As a rule, the hollyhock is traded as a biennial plant, sometimes it gets older. But it often just seems that way. Then a new plant grows unnoticed by self-seeding and replaces the old hollyhock.
In principle, hollyhocks are perennial but not always hardy
Especially among the old varieties, there seem to be some that can get quite old. However, if a seemingly old hollyhock suddenly flowers in a different color than last year, then it is a new self-seeded plant. The seeds of the hollyhock germinate so easily and reliably that it is hardly noticeable. If you don't collect the seeds consistently, your hollyhocks will soon spread throughout the garden and bloom in places you hardly thought.
How do I overwinter my hollyhock?
The hollyhock is hardy, but only to a limited extent. So it only tolerates low freezing temperatures. If it gets very cold or if the frost lasts for a long time, then the hollyhock should get winter protection. A thick layer of brushwood or leaves is sufficient for hardy varieties.
Some varieties do not tolerate frost at all. You can overwinter these sensitive hollyhocks in a frost-free greenhouse or in the basement. The temperature there should be between 8 °C and 12 °C. Water these plants about every two weeks to keep their root ball from drying out.
Life extension through timely pruning
You can easily prolong the life of your hollyhocks by pruning them in good time. If you prevent the seed from ripening, the hollyhock will sprout again next year and bloom again. So cut off the wilted inflorescences before the seeds are ripe, ideally even before the seeds have formed.
The essentials in brief:
- usually biennial
- Pruning as a life-prolonging measure
- moderately hardy
tips
If you want your hollyhock to bloom for several years, cut off the withered inflorescences before the seeds form in them.