Alcea rosea 'NIGRA' hollyhock
size/type
tall perennial,tall perennial
usual height
1,5-2m
usual width
0,2-0,4m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-September
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
Hollyhock is an old-fashioned perennial from European gardens. Its origin is not clear but is commonly classified as an Asian plant. Nigra is a classic variety of hollyhock with deep maroon, almost black flowers with white centres. They come out from late June until early September if the stem is strong and holds enough flower buds. Leaves are mid green, shallowly lobed, and grow from along the whole length of the stem. Hollyhock is usually not picky about soil type, it only dislikes boggy and compacted ground. You can often find it growing happily in a crevice at a curb. It is a short-lived perennial that seeds around reliably so if you use landscape fabric make sure the seeds have enough space to start new plants. Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).
Last update 22-07-2014
