The Black Hollyhock ( Alcea rosea nigra ), which this listing is for is really more of a deep blood red, burgundy to black colour but does look black from a distance with its satin like petals in certain lighting.
Hollyhocks have been a popular flower in many gardens for centuries. They are native to China but have become a common flower in countries all around the world. Alcea rosea grows as an annual if planted early but is technically biennial, which means they have a two-year life cycle – in nature beginning to grow as the weather warms up in spring and the flowering the following year. This species is often mistaken for a perennial because it self-seeds so readily that will continue to grow back in the garden for many years. All parts of this plant are edible and have medicinal uses.
Growth
Alcea rosea nigra can grow up to 2 metres and 60 cm’s wide, so is best planted towards the back of garden beds to avoid it stealing sunlight from some of the lower growing plants. The flowers grow on tall flower stems that do not generally require staking but are best planted near a fence or wall to protect them from breaking in strong winds. Because they flower through spring-summer, they may flop over in the heat in warm climates, so in these zones, stakes may be needed. They are very tasty to snails and slugs so a beer trap nearby may be handy. They will also attract butterflies to the garden.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Malvaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10 to 35°C / 14 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, nutrient rich soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 2 metres (7 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 60 cm’s (2 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual-Biennial, Fast Growing.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium – Becomes more drought tolerant as it matures but will need to be kept moist as a seedling and juvenile plant.
POLLINATION:
Bees. Bisexual – both male and female parts on the same flower.
MATURITY:
6-18 months depending on starting time.
GERMINATION RATES:
86%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-3 weeks, dependent on conditions
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 100
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 9 years.
FACTS ABOUT ALCEA ROSEA (Hollyhock)
Hollyhock is believed to be an emollient and laxative. It is used to control inflammation, to stop bed wetting and as a mouthwash in cases of bleeding gums.
To encourage a longer life from these plants, cut the flowering stalks off after the flowers have finished for new flowers in autumn.
