Hollyhock 'Chater's Scarlet' | Alcea
The Highlights
- Towering stems of deep, luscious scarlet red flowers
- Create a classic cottage garden aesthetic
- Frilly petal pattern is an absolute showstopper
- Make an excellent cut flower for floral displays
- Adds dynamic height to borders
- Edible flowers–try for a stunning dessert or salad garnish
- Highly attractive for butterflies and bees
- Get spectacular blooms from June to September
The Highlights
- Towering stems of deep, luscious scarlet red flowers
- Create a classic cottage garden aesthetic
- Frilly petal pattern is an absolute showstopper
- Make an excellent cut flower for floral displays
- Adds dynamic height to borders
- Edible flowers–try for a stunning dessert or salad garnish
- Highly attractive for butterflies and bees
- Get spectacular blooms from June to September
Care Guide
Average Pest and Disease Resistance
Alceas can have issues with Rust, a fungal infection that will appear as orange fuzz on the leaves. To prevent rust try to prevent too much moisture sitting on the leaves by always watering at the ground and, if possible, watering in the morning to give the moisture time to evaporate off the surface during the day. You can spray you plant with Neem Oil or sulfur as well which works as a fungicide. There are a number of non-organic fungicides you can also purchase to protect your plants against Rust. Alcea's can also be attacked by slugs and caterpillars as well so check the leaves regularly, especially when the plant is young. MORE
Water Well in Summer
Generally the plant will cope fine with rain water throughout the year. During hot, prolonged dry periods in summer, however, you may have to give the plant a good watering several times a week. If the plant starts to look distressed and the soil around it is very dry, then give the plant some more water and check up on it the next day.
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Plant somewhere where the plant will receive around 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Any Good Well-Drained Soil
If planting into the ground, and especially if you have clay heavy soil, mix in plenty of rich organic matter such as garden compost and possibly some perlite to improve drainage. A good mix is three parts garden compost and one part topsoil.
Not Required
Don't worry, this isn't a hungry plant so your food bills won't be going up!
For more care tips and ideas visit our Knowledge page
Planting Calendar
- Best time to plant
- Harvest
- Flower