Depending on the variety, the hollyhock is more or less hardy. You can leave more robust varieties outside in the bed without any problems, others are grateful for winter protection or even a frost-free winter quarters. In technical jargon this is called "conditionally hardy".
Some varieties of hollyhock are conditionally hardy
Some old varieties of hollyhocks even live for several years without ever having received frost protection. Cultivated forms and hybrids often have different characteristics. Ask when you buy the plant or check the hardiness on the seed packet and you'll know exactly how to treat your hollyhocks for the winter.
How do I care for my hollyhocks in winter?
If you live in a harsh area, protect your hollyhocks from frost and cold wind with a layer of brushwood or leaves. You can also bring sensitive varieties to a frost-free winter quarters. Here your hollyhock will overwinter without the danger of freezing to death. However, you should then water the plants occasionally, otherwise they will die of thirst.
The hollyhock in spring
Plant the hollyhock outdoors again around May. Then put some horn shavings (€32.93) or compost in the planting hole. However, they should avoid a radical change in temperature. Place the plants outside for a few hours every day as soon as they sprout again and it is frost-free outside. Only after the ice saints do you put the hollyhocks back in their usual place.
Free hardy outdoor varieties from their winter protection as early as April, as soon as longer periods of frost are no longer to be expected. It is best to cut off the first green leaves to prevent them from being attacked by mallow rust. The fungal spores often overwinter in the soil and then re-enter the plants in spring.
tips
It is better to overwinter sensitive varieties of hollyhock in a frost-free greenhouse or in a similar space, because they tolerate little or no frost.