Alcea rosea 'Mars Magic'

Spotlight Series

Common Name: Hollyhock

Bright red, single flowers are produced on tall, sturdy stalks in midsummer.

For over 18 years, Jelitto worked to develop a consistent strain of stable, straight color, single flowered Hollyhocks. The Alcea rosea Spotlight Series was introduced by Jelitto in 2010 with multiple single color strains including deep black-purple, red, pink, yellow, and white.

Other than their fabulous blossoms, one of the best traits about this series is that the plants are truly perennial, not biennial.

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

Browse the Spotlight Series

Height:

5.0-6.0 Feet

Spread:

2.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Red 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:

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

Echinacea SOMBRERO® LEMON YELLOW IMPROVED

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!

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