Hollyhocks are a beautiful summer-flowering plant that decorate your gardens with weeks of vibrant colour. Popular for cottage gardens, the tall flower spikes create a stunning, blooming statement in your gardens and are perfect added to your flower beds among other colourful additions.

Are Hollyhocks poisonous?

It is a common misconception that Hollyhocks are a poisonous plant, but how true are these rumours? The beautiful flowering plant is luckily not poisonous and is considered to be a safe plant for your gardens. However, while the flower does not have any poisonous characteristics, it can be known to cause skin irritation or dermatitis when it comes into contact with skin. If this occurs, washing the affected area and keeping away from the plant will ensure that the irritation clears up quickly, usually within the same day.

In short, while the plant is not considered to be poisonous, we would advise exercising caution around the garden plant, especially for curious children and pets.

When do Hollyhocks flower?

Hollyhocks, also known as Alcea, flower beautifully between June and September. These summer-flowering beauties produce tall flower spikes that decorate your garden in a range of vibrant hues. When it comes to making a statement, these garden plants are the perfect choice and ensure a stunning colourful vision among your flower beds.

Can Hollyhocks grow in shade?

If there is one thing to avoid when planting Hollyhocks, it's shady areas. Hollyhocks do not grow well in shade, and should be exposed to sunlight as frequently as possible. For more growing advice and instructions, read on.

How to grow Hollyhocks

Luckily, these beautiful plants are fairly simple to plant. Follow our instructions below and get your Summer garden prepared in time for flowering season:

1. Find the perfect spot - Hollyhocks prefer areas with direct sunlight and to be in soil that is fertile and well-drained (although any garden soil is more than adequate for these plants).
2. Dig a hole deep enough for your plant but tight enough to keep the plant growing upright. Each Hollyhock must be positioned 60cm apart from one another.
3. Place your plant into the hole and shovel soil back into the space.
4. Water generously and leave to bathe in the sun.

Aftercare for your Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks/Alcea are relatively easy to maintain after growing. There are some tips below on how to continue to care for your plants throughout the season:

• In windy gardens or when you experience windy weather, place a stake close to the stem of the plant and secure it tightly, Continue to tie the stem to the stake as it grows.
• If your plant is affected by rust disease, cut off the affected leaves and ensure the rusted tissue does not carry into the next season.
• Cut down flower spikes when flowers have faded during the Winter months.

Shop our full range of Hollyhock and Alcea plants here.