Alcea, Common Hollyhock, Garden Hollyhock 'Nigrita' (Alcea rosea)

Purchased as a potted plant. It struggled through its first year, barely reaching half its expected height, and no blooms. In its second year, it threw up stalks nearly two meters tall, with especially handsome blooms. Full sun, it\\\'s sitting in sand, which had been heavily amended. Wasps nest under its shade, but it\\\'s a vigorous palnt nonetheless. A generous scoop of compost worked into the soil with a dash of 5-10-5 in the spring seems to keep it strong.

by eala Sep 2, 2003 2:24 PM