Hollyhock - Alcea rosea - €5 per plant

An excellent plant for the permaculture garden, the hollyhock is a stunning, flowering plant with presence, but not just a pretty face.  Its beauty attracts bees in high numbers, butterflies and other insects, and it has a deep tap root that harvests nutrients and minerals which can be used for high quality mulch at the end of the season.  Growing up to 2.5m in height,  this plant is actually considered a biennial or short-lived perennial, but although short-lived, hollyhocks easily self-seed and can establish colonies in the garden that can persist for years as though they were perennials. Most of the plant's products have uses medicinally, and the young leaves and flowers make a nice addition to salads. To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Not known in a truly wild situation, probably Southeast Europe
  • native habitat: The original habitat is unknown, it is probably of hybrid origin. Now found in the woodland garden, sunny edge or dappled shade
  • family: Malvaceae

Predators

  • Foliage is susceptible to rust, leaf spot and anthracnose. Spider mites and Japanese beetle can also be problems. Foliage can appear a bit tattered in appearance when attacked by these insects and/or diseases, but the flowers generally are not affected.

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3a - 9b
  • Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and some light shade, but will not tolerate wet winter soils


Known hazards

  • none known

Overview

  • Perennial growing to 2.5 m by 0.6 m
  • It is in flower from Jul to September, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees and other small insects.
  • The plant is self-fertile.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife, especially bees, birds and butterflies.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • Grows in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun.
  • Considered a biennial or short-lived perennial, but as it reseeds so easily, it can be treated almost like a long lived perennial. 

Characteristics

  • form:Herbaceous perennial 
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: 
  • height x width (m): 2.5 x 0.6
  • years to bearing flowers: 1-2 yrs 
  • productive life span: 3-5 years but reseeds with ease

Products 

  • Leaves can also be chopped up finely and added to salads. Young leaves are best, either fresh or cooked.
  • Flowers can be eaten fresh. Great colour addition to salads, as well as having many medicinal properties. They are used to improve blood circulation, for the treatment of constipation, dysmenorrhoea, haemorrhage and are said to be useful in treating chest complaints.
  • The shoots and roots are also used medicinally

Functions, behaviours

  • A very ornamental plant with tall, stunning, stems of flowers
  • Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.
  • An excellent bee and butterfly plant
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If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project