Hollyhock (Alcea) Apple Blossom 1L

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) ‘Apple Blossom’ – Plant Description:

Type: Biennial or short-lived perennial (often grown as an annual).
Scientific Name: Alcea rosea ‘Apple Blossom’
Common Name: Hollyhock ‘Apple Blossom’
Flower Type: Large, showy, single or double flowers arranged along tall spikes.
Flower Color: Soft pastel shades of pink, resembling apple blossoms.
Blooming Period: Typically blooms in late spring to midsummer.
Height: Can reach a height of 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 meters) or more, depending on the growing conditions.
Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and flowering.
Soil and Moisture:
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Hollyhocks can tolerate various soil types.
Moisture: Regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Foliage: Large, coarse, and palmate leaves.
Growing Habit: Upright and erect growth habit.
Landscape Use:
Back of Borders: Planted as a background or against walls/fences.
Cottage Gardens: Well-suited for cottage-style gardens.
Cut Flowers: Suitable for cut flower arrangements.
Biennial Nature: Hollyhocks typically grow leaves in the first year and produce flowers in the second year before setting seeds and completing their life cycle.
Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Disease Resistance: Susceptible to rust, a fungal disease that can affect hollyhocks. Adequate spacing and good air circulation can help prevent disease.
Support:
Staking: Taller varieties may require staking to support the flower spikes.
Wind Protection: Consider the potential impact of strong winds on the tall flower spikes.
Cultural Significance: Hollyhocks are traditional cottage garden plants, adding a nostalgic and charming quality to the landscape.
Propagation: Can be propagated from seeds. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors and transplant.
Note: ‘Apple Blossom’ is a specific cultivar of Alcea rosea, known for its soft pink flowers. Hollyhocks are available in various colors, and individual plant characteristics may vary. Regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) can prolong the blooming period. Check for local growing recommendations and adapt care practices accordingly.