Alcea, Double Hollyhock, Garden Hollyhock 'Chater's Double White'

This hollyhock did well in my garden this year.
It was a nice addition to my collection , it stood out in the midst of all the pin...Read Morek hollyhocks i grow.
It's is a keeper in my garden.
Robbie

I started mine from seed the summer before last. Last year, I learned how critical it can be to spray. The leaves were eaten very quick...Read Morely and the remaining leaves were filled with leaf miner markings. I began spraying when I noticed the problem, but the plants looked bad all season. This year, I began spraying right from the start (which I plan to always do in the future). I've also applied a slow release fertilizer once or twice a year. I am happy to say that this year they are already about 3 feet tall, strong, lush and healthy. I can hardly wait for them to bloom!

your pictures are wonderful...my double whites are so amazing also...and such strong stocks...they never stop flowering until late fall...Read More...in area 5, ontario, canada

A traditional favorite, hollyhocks grow well here in zone 5a and come in about 60 species of biennials and short-lived perennials. The 'C...Read Morehater's Double' needs moderately fertile, well drained soil and prefers full sun.
Susceptible to hollyhock rust as well as bacterial and fungal leaf spots. Southern blight is common.
To reduce the chance of hollyhock rust, mulch with straw early in the season.
'Chater's Double' produces flowers with three or more whorls of petals and few or no stamens.
As annuals, sow seed at 55 degrees in late winter, or in situ in midspring. For biennials and perennials, sow seed in situ in midsummer. If required, transplant in early autumn, when 2 or 3 true leaves have developed.

Reference: The American Horticultural Society
A - Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants

Christopher Brickell
Judith D. Zuk
Editors-in-Chief