Alcea (Hollyhock)

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Plant description

A decorative annual or biennial plant with beautiful tall spikes of flowers which open from the bottom of the stem upwards. There are single and double flowered forms in a variety of different colours, from white to pink to red to purple to yellow. There is even near black flowered varieties. They are good food plants for butterflies. Beetles can chew small holes in the leaves. The flowers can be used to make a tea, which is soothing for sore throats. Grow in sun to part shade.

Additional plant information

Flowers

Flower colour: pink, white, red, purple, yellow
Flowering season: summer autumn

Plant size

Maximum height: 2 metres
Minimum height: 0.5 metres

Maximum width: 0.5 metres
Minimum width: 0.3 metres

Sunlight, frost & salt tolerance

This plant will tolerate full or partial sunlight.
Medium frost tolerance.
Plant is not salt tolerant.

Fauna attracting?

Yes. Attracts: Butterflies, insects.

Climate

This plant species will grow in the following climates: cool, temperate.

Soil types & conditions

Loam: moist, well-drained.

Clay: moist, well-drained.

Sand: moist.

Soil pH: 6.0-7.5

Pests

Beetles

Miscellaneous information

Planting season: Spring.

Types of fertiliser: Good all purpose fertiliser.

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