Hollyhock (Syn Alcea X Althaea Parkallee)

£5.99

Position: full sun
Soil: moderately-fertile, well-drained soil
Rate of growth: fast-growing in height and spread
Flowering period:July-September
Hardiness: fully hardy
This tall hollyhock is a hybrid of Alcea rosea and Althaea officinalis. Far from presenting the slender vertical silhouette of traditional hollyhocks, Alcea Parkallee spreads generously in all directions branching from the base to form an open vase shape. Its stems are evenly studded with open cupped flowers in light apricot, which fades to a buttermilk cream. Each flower supports a central double frill and pronounced bronze stamens, from July to September. This plant provides voluminous display year after year, requiring a generous 125cm square space in the border to avoid swamping its neighbours.Garden care: Water well during dry spells. To prevent 'rust' from taking hold, either spray with Bordeaux Mixture (organic) or Murphy Tumbleblite (non-organic) every 10-14 days. In autumn, trim the stems back to within 50-60cm from the ground, and as you see new grwoth breaking through in spring, you can cut it back harder if desired. Cutting it back a little later in the year will help keep it more compact. Avoid excessive winter wet.

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