Hollyhocks are tall, flowering plants of the genus Alcea, in the mallow family Malvaceae. They are native to Asia and Europe, but have been widely cultivated for ornamental use in gardens. Hollyhocks have tall, sturdy stems and bright, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, yellow, white, and purple. The flowers are borne in clusters of three to seven blooms on each stem. The foliage is large, heart-shaped, and often hairy. Hollyhocks are usually biennials, meaning they require two growing seasons to complete their life cycle.
Planning Your Garden With Hollyhocks
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Hollyhocks are usually biennial, but can sometimes be perennial. |
| USDA Zone | Hollyhocks are hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Hollyhocks are generally quite hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to 25. |
| Days to harvest | Hollyhocks typically take around 90 to 120 days to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown hollyhock plant is between 4 and 6 feet tall. |
| Spacing requirements | Hollyhocks should be planted 18-24 inches apart to ensure adequate space for growth and air circulation. |
| Sun tolerance | Hollyhocks are generally considered to be sun-loving plants, and they thrive in full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate some shade, but they will produce fewer flowers in those conditions. |
| Shade tolerance | Hollyhocks are tolerant of both full sun and partial shade. They prefer full sun but will tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. |
| Water requirements | Hollyhocks prefer moist, well-draining soil and need to be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. During the growing season, they should be watered deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is especially hot or dry. It is important to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing hollyhocks depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply 1/2 cup of fertilizer per 10 square feet of soil and work it into the top 6 inches of soil. |
| Soil pH | Hollyhocks prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Hollyhocks are Popular
People like to grow hollyhocks for a variety of reasons. They are relatively easy to grow, are available in a wide range of colors, and will attract pollinators to the garden. Hollyhocks also provide a dramatic backdrop to other plants and can be used to create a cottage-style garden. Additionally, they can be used in cut flower arrangements.
Companion Plants For Hollyhocks
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for hollyhocks include:
Common Pests For Hollyhocks
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow hollyhocks, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- leafhoppers
- thrips
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
