Alcea rosea Chater's Double Hybrids-Mixed |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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Perfect for the cottage garden, Chater's Double Hybrids-Mixed is a mixed seed strain of hollyhocks that includes an array of colors including pink, apricot, violet, purple, scarlet, white, and yellow. Its tall, sturdy spikes support tufts of ruffled, fully double flowers that open from the bottom up over a long period in summer. The leaves are deeply lobed in classic alcea form.
Pictured at right are three of the colors included the mix: white, yellow, and pink.
Feel free to grow hollyhocks under Black Walnut trees; they are tolerant of the toxic juglone that is emitted through the trees' roots. Hollyhocks are best treated as a biennial or short-lived perennial.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
4-6 Feet
Spread:
18-24 Inches
Flower Color:
Multicolored
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Want to see wings?:
Attracts butterflies
Attracts hummingbirds
How fast should it grow?:
Rapid
When should it bloom?:
Midsummer
How's your soil?:
Average Soil
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Cottage
Eclectic
Hollyhocks provide excellent architectural height in the garden and make good backdrops for lower growing perennials. Try growing them in the cottage garden style by planting them up against a wall or picket fence. Though their stalks are very strong, they may need to be staked if they are planted in a windy site.
Hollyhocks prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. They need full sun to really perform in the landscape. Watch for Japanese Beetles; this plant is one of their favorites!
Hollyhocks were known for their curative powers. Because of this, it was one of the first plants brought over to North America from Europe.