Alcea rosea Halo Series - Cerise

Halo Series

Common Name: Hollyhock

From the breeding work of Thompson & Morgan comes this new series of hollyhocks that was 16 years in the making. These varieties were selected and hybridized over many generations for their large, single, bicolor flowers. Each displays a prominent, contrasting lighter or darker colored halo in the center of the flower.

Members of this series form a bushy clump of rugose green foliage with tall spikes carrying large, colorful blossoms in early to midsummer. Per the breeder, they are hardy perennials.

'Cerise' produces large, cerise pink flowers with a deep purple halo.

Height:

5.0-6.0 Feet

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8

Flower Color:

Pink shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Rapid

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Hollyhocks provide excellent architectural height in the garden and make good backdrops for lower growing perennials. Try growing them in the cottage garden style by planting them up against a wall or picket fence. Though their stalks are very strong, they may need to be staked if they are planted in a windy site.

Hollyhocks prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate short periods of drought. They need full sun to really perform in the landscape. Watch for Japanese Beetles; this plant is one of their favorites!

Feel free to grow hollyhocks under Black Walnut trees; they are tolerant of the toxic juglone that is emitted through the trees' roots.

Fun Facts

Did you know that Hollyhock flowers are edible? Though they don't have much flavor, they make a showy edible garnish for summer dishes.

Characteristics