Hollyhock (Alcea rosea): Old-Fashioned Towers of Summer Color

Quick Facts

• Type: Biennial
• Light: Full sun
• Water: Regular

Classic cottage garden favorite with 3–6 inch single to double flowers on stems 2½–9 ft tall. Summer blooms in yellow, cream, white, pink, red, and purple. Rust can be serious—choose resistant varieties, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering. Self-sows freely. Space 1½ ft apart.