Alcea rosea, commonly known as hollyhock, can be a perennial plant. Traditionally, most cultivars of Alcea rosea were biennial, meaning they would complete their lifecycle in two years. This meant that they would grow vegetatively during the first year and then flower and produce seeds in the second year before dying off. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards introducing annual varieties of hollyhocks, which complete their lifecycle in just one year.
Despite this trend, there are some cultivars within the Alcea rosea species that are truly perennial. One notable series is the Alcea rosea Spotlight series. These specific cultivars have been bred to be perennial, meaning they can persist and flower for multiple years. This is a great development for gardeners who want to enjoy hollyhocks year after year without the need to replant or wait for biennial plants to reach maturity.
To obtain flowering plants in the first growing season, it is recommended to start the seeds of these perennial hollyhocks very early. Starting them indoors, in a controlled environment, several weeks before the last frost date in your area can help ensure early growth and flowering. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of hollyhocks sooner rather than later.
Personally, I have had success with growing perennial hollyhocks from the Alcea rosea Spotlight series. By starting the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, I was able to transplant healthy seedlings into the garden well before the last frost. This allowed the plants to establish themselves and start growing vigorously, resulting in beautiful blooms later in the season.
It is worth mentioning that while the Alcea rosea Spotlight series is truly perennial, not all hollyhock cultivars fall into this category. It’s important to check the specific cultivar or series you are interested in to determine whether it is biennial or perennial. This information can usually be found on the seed packet or from reputable plant nurseries.
While Alcea rosea has traditionally included biennial cultivars, there are now perennial options available, such as the Alcea rosea Spotlight series. By starting the seeds early and providing proper care, it is possible to obtain flowering plants in the first growing season. This is a wonderful development for hollyhock enthusiasts who want to enjoy these beautiful flowers year after year.
