Alcea 'Summer Memories'

Common Name: Hollyhock

A cross between A. rosea (the most common species available) and A. ficifolia (robust plants native to Siberia).

This selection consists of single flowers in a wide range of colors including light yellow, white, rose-pink, and deep red. There tends to be a heavier concentration of yellows since this is the color of its parent, A. ficifolia.

'Summer Memories Mix' tends to be more resistant to leaf rust than most hollyhocks. The 7-lobed foliage stays fairly clean and healthy throughout the season.

Feel free to grow them under Black Walnut trees; they are tolerant of the toxic juglone that is emitted through the trees' roots.

Height:

6.0 Feet

Spread:

12.0-18.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

2,3,4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Multicolored

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Rapid

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

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; providing these conditions will help the plants resist disease. They need full sun to really perform in the landscape. Watch for Japanese Beetles; this plant is one of their favorites!

Fun Facts

Did you know that Hollyhock flowers are edible? Though they don't have much flavor, they make a showy edible garnish for summer dishes.

Characteristics