Alcea rosea 'Nigra'
hollyhock
Towering spires open from the base upwards to reveal yellow-centred, chocolate-maroon flowers. Perfect for providing vertical interest in a sunny, well-drained border, hollyhocks are traditionally associated with cottage gardens, however the dramatic colouring of Alcea rosea 'Nigra' works equally well in contemporary planting schemes.
How to care for Alcea rosea Nigra:
Plant in full sun to light shade, in well-drained, humus-rich soil. Amend heavy or clay soils with compost prior to planting. Space plants 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart to allow for their upright, bushy habit. Provide sturdy support as the tall stems may require staking.
Apply a thick organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage extended blooming.
In cold winter regions, apply a layer of protective mulch around the crown. Cut old stems back when new basal growth is seen in spring.
All hollyhocks are prone to rust and organic control may be obtained by good air flow, regular removal of affected foliage, and avoiding watering the leaves can all help keep it in check.
Apply a thick organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage extended blooming.
In cold winter regions, apply a layer of protective mulch around the crown. Cut old stems back when new basal growth is seen in spring.
All hollyhocks are prone to rust and organic control may be obtained by good air flow, regular removal of affected foliage, and avoiding watering the leaves can all help keep it in check.
Sowing instructions:
Under glass, sow seeds 2mm deep in a good quality seed compost and keep moist (but not wet) until they germinate. Thin out when they are large enough to handle and pot on. Gradually harden off before planting out after all risk of frost has passed.
Alternatively, sow later in the year directly into a well-prepared bed. Seeds sown in autumn have a better chance of producing flowers in their first summer, while others usually won't flower until the following year.
Alternatively, sow later in the year directly into a well-prepared bed. Seeds sown in autumn have a better chance of producing flowers in their first summer, while others usually won't flower until the following year.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
1.2m
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.
approx 50 seeds
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