Product Description
Alcea rosea Chater's Double Hybrids- Mixed
Common Name: hollyhocks.
Zones 2 to 7.
Full sun.
Plants reach 4 to 6 feet tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.
Growth rate: Rapid.
Alcea rosea 'Chater's Double Hybrids Mixed' is a classic and beloved hollyhock variety that brings a touch of old-fashioned charm and vibrant color to gardens. Here is a breakdown of why it is so popular:
Appearance:
- Double, Ruffled Blooms: 'Chater's Double' hollyhocks are known for their large, fully double flowers with ruffled petals. These blooms are like fluffy pom-poms and come in a delightful mix of colors, including:
- Pink
- Red
- White
- Yellow
- Purple
- And often bi-colored variations
- Tall, Stately Spikes: The flowers are borne on tall, sturdy stalks that can reach 5-7 feet (or even more!) in height. This gives them a dramatic, vertical presence in the garden.
- Classic Hollyhock Shape: The overall form of the plant is classic hollyhock, with large, rounded leaves at the base and the tall flower stalk rising above.
Growing Conditions:
- Full Sun: 'Chater's Double' hollyhocks thrive in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Well-Drained Soil: It is crucial to plant them in well-drained soil. Soggy soil can lead to root rot and other problems.
- Adaptable: They can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils, as long as they are well-drained.
Care and Maintenance:
- Support: Due to their height, 'Chater's Double' hollyhocks may need support, especially in windy areas. Staking or using a support structure can help prevent them from flopping over.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: A light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer can be beneficial.
- Deadheading: Removing spent flower stalks can encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding, which can sometimes lead to hollyhocks reverting to their original colors.
- Rust: Hollyhocks are susceptible to rust, a fungal disease. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent it.
Uses in the Garden:
- Back of Borders: Their tall stature makes them ideal for the back of borders or against walls and fences.
- Cottage Gardens: They are a classic element of cottage gardens, adding a touch of nostalgia and charm.
- Screening: Planted in a row, they can create a beautiful and colorful screen to hide unsightly areas or provide privacy.
- Vertical Accent: They add a strong vertical element to the garden, drawing the eye upward.
Benefits:
- Eye-Catching Blooms: The large, double flowers in a mix of colors provide a stunning display that lasts for a long time.
- Attracts Pollinators: Hollyhocks attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers make beautiful and long-lasting cut flowers.
Things to Consider:
- Biennial Nature: Hollyhocks are typically biennials, meaning they grow leaves the first year and flower the second year. However, some may bloom the first year if started early enough.
- Self-Seeding: They readily self-seed, so you may get new plants popping up in your garden. This can be a positive or negative, depending on your preference.
Overall, Alcea rosea 'Chater's Double Hybrids Mixed' is a beautiful and classic hollyhock variety that will add a touch of old-fashioned charm and vibrant color to your garden. Its large, double flowers, tall stature, and ability to attract pollinators make it a wonderful addition to any landscape.
Ten (10) plants in quart containers per flat (or tray).
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
