× Alcalthaea suffrutescens 'Parkallee'
shrubby hollyhock (syn. Alcea × Althaea Parkallee)
A cross between hollyhock (Alcea spp.) and an Althaea, this tall plant puts on a prolific display of flowers, that no longer suffers rust like its forebear. ‘Parkallee’ forms a spreading vase shape, and its stems will be evenly studded with open bowl-shaped flowers from July to November. Each flower emerges a light apricot and fades to a buttermilk-cream as it matures. The centre of each is speckled with bronze stamens and a central frill of tiny petals.
How to care for Alcalthaea suffrutescens Parkallee:
Plant in full sun in well-drained, humus-rich soil; improve heavy or clay soil with compost before planting. Add well-rotted compost and mycorrhizal fungi to the planting hole, spacing plants 60–90cm (2-3ft) apart to suit their tall, bushy growth.
Water during dry spells and mulch thickly to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Provide strong support as tall stems may need staking. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. In autumn, cut stems back to 50–60cm (1.5-2ft), then prune harder in spring as growth resumes to encourage a compact habit.
Apply winter mulch around the crown for protection and avoid ground conditions prone to waterlogging in cold, wet conditions.
Water during dry spells and mulch thickly to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Provide strong support as tall stems may need staking. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. In autumn, cut stems back to 50–60cm (1.5-2ft), then prune harder in spring as growth resumes to encourage a compact habit.
Apply winter mulch around the crown for protection and avoid ground conditions prone to waterlogging in cold, wet conditions.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
2.5m
Eventual spread:
1.25m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
9cm pot
£9.99
available to order from autumn
Unavailable
3 × 9cm pots
£19.99
£6.66 each
available to order from autumn
Unavailable
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