“Alcea rosea Chapters” refers to the Chater’s Series of hollyhock, a group of double-flowered cultivars known for their large, ruffled blooms in a variety of colors. These are popular and low-maintenance plants that are hardy in a wide range of climates and soils.
Characteristics and care
- Plant type: Biennial or short-lived perennial
- Growth habit: Tall, erect stems that can reach up to 1.8 meters (6 feet)
- Flowers: Double, ruffled, pom-pom-like blooms
- Foliage: Large, lobed leaves
- Bloom time: Mid to late summer
- Hardiness: Hardy in heat, cold, and various soil types, making them suitable for many regions
- Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil, but can tolerate a wide range of conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun is ideal, but they can tolerate light shade
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially for young plants. Water mature plants during extended dry spells
- Maintenance:
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance
- Pruning: After the last bloom, cut the stalks back to ground level to prepare the plant for winter
- Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring and another mid-summer for best growth
- Pests and diseases: Can be susceptible to issues like rust, leaf spot, anthracnose, Japanese beetles, and spider mites
