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Plainview Farm :: Perennials :: Achillea-Aquilegia :: Alcea
Alcea | al-SEE-ah | Hollyhock
Hollyhocks hail from the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, where they are found, oddly enough, considering their preferred culture, in rocky, dry, rather barren locations. They are rather short-lived perennials but usually reseed and thus, maintain a presence in your garden. Since they have been planted for generations, hollyhocks evoke gentle memories of summers past. That being said, modern gardeners may need a little help to grow them successfully. Unfortunately, they are prone to rust. The fungus that causes rust and other diseases survives the winter in garden trash—old leaves and stems. Be especially careful with winter hygiene, therefore, and you will have a better chance of avoiding rust. If it is unavoidable, simply cut down the afflicted stalks. Plant in well-drained, composted soil. Remove spent flower stems to prolong longevity. Collecting seed in fall and sowing in the spring will allow you to exert some control over the location of new plants in the garden. Space 30 inches.
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