Alcea rosea Halo Cerise (Hollyhock)

Providing architectural height to borders, Alcea rosea ‘Halo Cerise’ (Hollyhock) is a short-lived perennial which produces tall, sturdy spikes of large, funnel-shaped, cerise pink, single flowers, adorned with a rich purple halo. Blooming from early to midsummer, the striking flowers are arranged all around the spike and bloom from the bottom up.

Providing architectural height to borders, Alcea rosea 'Halo Cerise' (Hollyhock) is a short-lived perennial which produces tall, sturdy spikes of large, funnel-shaped, cerise pink, single flowers, adorned with a rich purple halo. Blooming from early to midsummer, the striking flowers are arranged all around the spike and bloom from the bottom up. An old garden favorite, Hollyhock is best when grown against a wall or fence or at the back of the border.

  • Grows vigorously up to 5-6 ft. high (150-180 cm) and 2 ft. wide (60 cm). Hollyhocks easily self-seed and can establish colonies in the garden.
  • Performs best in full sun, in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but will not tolerate wet winter soils. Partial shade is appreciated in the hottest climates.
  • Easy to grow, Hollyhock is a welcomed addition to beds and borders and cottage gardens.
  • The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, which hover near the blossoms, and to butterflies. Rabbit resistant.
  • Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat in mid-winter or in-situ in spring
  • Cut back after flowering.
  • Alcea rosea species is probably native to Asia minor. It may become weedy and potentially invasive in some areas.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 3
– 10

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Alcea – Hollyhocks
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 5'
– 6'
(150cm
– 180cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Wall-Side Borders, Walls and Fences
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage