[MargeSimpson]

I had to pull up a couple of hollyhock plants today as I typically planted them in the wrong place. I seem to have done that alot this year. But I reckon by mistakes we learn. Anyway...I have never seen roots like them!!! They are incredible. I had a job pulling them out. Are Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) best planted in pots to contain the root. Do they tend to run and take over like nastursiums?

[Sb]

Yes, I found that the hollyhocks had very strong sinewy root as well, MargeSimpson. Never had any problem with them spreading though.

[James Kilkelly]

Sb is right marge, you should have no problem with hollyhocks invasively spreading by roots.
Those roots are tough though, they are famously used in tibetan medicine, where the roots on their own are used to treat loss of appetite.

I think you will find that the hollyhock spreads far more agressively via seeds.

[Tessa]

Hollyhocks are one of my favorite flowers and the mainstay of many southern gardens. Most plant them against houses or fences so they don't blow over. I have found many still blooming at old long-abandoned homesteads over a hundred years old. You can bet I snagged some seed to keep that tradition going.

There is apparently a perennial hollyhock, but most of them that I know are biennial. They do reseed, but I've never found them to be invasive at all. Just lovely, and the hummingbirds just love them.

Anyone know anything about the perennial one?

[shar]

hi,
i have holly hock( white and pink) growing in my garden love them but so does my dog who esp loves that they attract bees and she is seriously allergic. i have some planted in pots which only flowered his year .

shar

[barremic]

Am trying them this year, just planted some seeds yesterday. Am gutted that i will have to wait till next year to see them flower.

are they good self seeders? so i wont have to worry about keeping on top of growing from seed every year, just look for seedlings once they get established?

[maxturbo]

When you are on the subject on Hollyhocks, I grew a few Black Hollyhocks for the first time. I think they are a fantastic flower. What is the tallest Hollyhock grown in the republic of ireland? My Hollyhocks are 8 to 9 feet tall.

[barremic]

our ones were that tall last year not so good this year about 6 foot

the strange thing is from one plant we put in 2 years ago we have one stalk with deep red flowers and one stalk with pure white, it did this last year too!

looks great

[maxturbo]

What happens when the hollyhocks are finished flowering? Do i cut them back and store the seed? What is the normal procedure? How many years do they grow?