Hollyhock Flower

Hollyhock flower

They appear to be perennials as they do come back year after year but they are actually biennials which self-seed prolifically. Being a biennial means that it is often best to start new Hollyhocks in August or September so that they will then bloom the following summer.

Where is the best place to plant hollyhocks?

Where to plant. Hollyhocks will grow in any garden soil, but prefer fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun, to produce the tallest flower spikes. Choose a position that is sheltered from strong winds, else they tend to blow over.

Do hollyhocks like full sun or shade?

Hollyhocks are not fussy and survive in many spots but do best in soil that has been amended with compost. They do not like dry soil. With adequate moisture and good drainage, hollyhocks can thrive in full sun or partial shade.

Do hollyhocks spread?

As hollyhocks will spread when new seed is dropped, you might consider allowing three to four feet of space in the garden, so the area can fill out within a few years. Keep new plantings well-watered to help get them established.

Do you cut down hollyhocks in the fall?

Hollyhocks only grow and bloom during the spring and summer. The stalk can be trimmed after the flowers fade, which may encourage another round of blooms later in the growing season. The plant will naturally die back in the fall and winter. Cut back the stalk to just a few inches above the ground in the fall.

How many years do hollyhocks last?

A classic cottage garden staple, hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) bloom mid-summer with numerous flowers on tall spikes. Many of the most common varieties are biennials, meaning they complete their lifecycle over 2 years.

What month do you plant hollyhocks?

What is the best time to plant hollyhock seeds? Hollyhock seeds can be sown outdoors in either pots or in seedbeds in late summer. In the fall, before the ground freezes, or in the spring after the ground has thawed, move the plants to a permanent location in the garden.

Are hollyhocks poisonous to dogs?

Hollyhocks. These flowers are also non-poisonous to dogs or cats, but you need to be careful about the stems and leaves as they may have resin or fiber which may cause some skin allergies.

What month do hollyhocks bloom?

Biennial and perennial hollyhocks bloom from June to August. The Missouri Botanical Garden recommends planting hollyhock seeds in August or September. Hollyhocks have a long, delicate taproot that can make transplanting difficult, so it is best to plant seeds directly into the garden.

Should hollyhocks be cut back for winter?

Hollyhock growth should be trimmed back in the fall or as the last of the flowers fade. Pruning for winter consists of cutting back the Hollyhock stalk to just a few inches above ground level. Cutting the stalk back keeps your outdoor space tidy and doesn't harm the plant because all new growth emerges each spring.

Should you deadhead hollyhocks?

Deadheading hollyhock plants isn't necessary, but it is a good idea. It can help keep the blooms going longer throughout the season and also keeps your plants looking nicer and tidier. Think of deadheading this plant as a way of pruning to coax it into producing flowers right up to the fall and even the first frost.

What animals do hollyhocks attract?

Hollyhocks attract birds, butterflies and bees. They are biennials, which means that they grow leaves during their first year and bloom the second year before going to seed and dying.

Do hollyhocks last all summer?

Hollyhocks have a long blooming season and will flower from mid summer until early fall.

Do deer eat hollyhocks?

The plants may seed themselves and will take two summers to mature enough to flower. Hollyhock is relatively deer resistant.

Do hollyhocks flower twice?

Hollyhocks are biennial or short-lived perennials. In the first year they put on root and foliage growth and in the second they flower, set seed and then die. Double hollyhocks are stunning but they don't have the appeal that single varieties have to pollinating bees.

What happens if you don't cut back perennials?

Diseases can overwinter in dead foliage, as can slugs and other pests. Old stems can also get battered about by fall and winter winds, which will damage the plant's crown and roots. Also: Always cut back any infected or diseased plants!

What perennials should not be cut back in the fall?

There is no need to cut back hardy geraniums, heucheras, hellebores, dianthus and moss phlox. Tidy them in the spring as needed.

Do hollyhocks self seed?

Hollyhocks self-seed readily if you allow the flowerheads to go to seed. If you don't want this to happen (and you don't want to collect the seed), you can cut the flower spikes at the base of the stem once flowering is over.

How many times a year do hollyhocks bloom?

Some hollyhocks are biennials, which means that their entire lifecycle will be complete within a two-year cycle. Other hollyhock plants are annuals, which means they will only flower once.

When should hollyhocks be cut back?

Prune your hollyhocks in September. By early September, hollyhocks will turn brown, and cutting them down is a good idea. Cutting back hollyhocks will keep their seeds from spreading across your garden, and help the plant survive through the winter.