Alcea rosea 'Halo Apricot' (Halo Series)
hollyhock
A classic cottage garden favourite for the back of a border, Alcea rosea 'Halo Apricot' is a tall perennial hollyhock with lobed green leaves bearing long flowering spikes of dark-haloed, coral-apricot single blooms. While strictly speaking a perennial, the finest plants are produced when grown as biennials. Sown early they will flower the first year.
How to care for Alcea rosea Halo Apricot (Halo Series):
Plant in full sun to light shade, in well-drained, humus-rich soil. Amend heavy or clay soils with compost prior to planting. Space plants 60-90cm (2-3ft) apart to allow for their upright, bushy habit. Provide sturdy support as the tall stems may require staking.
Apply a thick organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage extended blooming.
In cold winter regions, apply a layer of protective mulch around the crown. Cut old stems back when new basal growth is seen in spring.
All hollyhocks are prone to rust and organic control may be obtained by good air flow, regular removal of affected foliage, and avoiding watering the leaves can all help keep it in check.
Apply a thick organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage extended blooming.
In cold winter regions, apply a layer of protective mulch around the crown. Cut old stems back when new basal growth is seen in spring.
All hollyhocks are prone to rust and organic control may be obtained by good air flow, regular removal of affected foliage, and avoiding watering the leaves can all help keep it in check.
Sowing instructions:
Under glass, sow seeds 2mm deep in a good quality seed compost and keep moist (but not wet) until they germinate. Thin out when they are large enough to handle and pot on. Gradually harden off before planting out after all risk of frost has passed.
Alternatively, sow later in the year directly into a well-prepared bed. Seeds sown in autumn have a better chance of producing flowers in their first summer, while others usually won't flower until the following year.
Alternatively, sow later in the year directly into a well-prepared bed. Seeds sown in autumn have a better chance of producing flowers in their first summer, while others usually won't flower until the following year.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
2.5m
Eventual spread:
1m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
