Contents
Description
Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Lilac, also known as Hollyhock, is a popular flowering plant in the mallow family. It is native to Asia and Europe and can grow up to 8 feet tall. This plant has a single, unbranched stem with large, showy flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are usually pink or purple in color, but they can also be found in shades of white and yellow.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Alcea |
Appearance
Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Lilac has a tall, slender stem that can grow up to 8 feet tall. The leaves are large and heart-shaped with a slightly fuzzy texture. The flowers are showy and come in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. They have a distinctive cup shape with a central column of stamens that protrudes from the petals. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and can last for several weeks.
Care Guide
To care for Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Lilac, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and to plant it in the appropriate hardiness zone. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:Water: Hollyhocks need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.Soil: Hollyhocks prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting.Sunlight: Hollyhocks need full sun to thrive, so plant them in a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Hollyhocks are hardy in zones 3-8, so make sure to plant them in an appropriate zone for your area.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Lilac is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including:Pests: Hollyhocks are prone to infestations of aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.Diseases: Hollyhocks are susceptible to rust, a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habitat
Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Lilac is native to Asia and Europe but is now widely cultivated in gardens and landscapes around the world. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Hollyhock plant?
A: Water your Hollyhock plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Q: When do Hollyhock flowers bloom?
A: Hollyhock flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and can last for several weeks.Q: What are some common pests that affect Hollyhock plants?
A: Hollyhock plants are susceptible to infestations of aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles.Q: How tall can a Hollyhock plant grow?
A: Hollyhock plants can grow up to 8 feet tall.
Related Plants
Here are some other plants in the mallow family that are related to Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Lilac:
- Malva
- Lavatera
- Abutilon
- Hibiscus
References
- “Hollyhock.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, https://www.almanac.com/plant/hollyhocks.
- “Alcea rosea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b432.
- “Hollyhocks.” Royal Horticultural Society, https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/4203/i-alcea-rosea-i/details.
