Alcea Rugosa
Contents
Description
Alcea Rugosa, also known as the Russian Hollyhock or the Rugose Hollyhock, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is native to Central Asia, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America.This perennial plant can grow up to 6 feet tall, and it produces large, showy flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, and they attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Alcea |
Appearance
Alcea Rugosa has a tall, upright growth habit, and it produces large, palmate leaves that are green and slightly fuzzy. The flowers are produced on tall spikes that can reach up to 6 feet tall, and they come in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The flowers are large and showy, with five petals that are arranged in a cup shape. They bloom from mid-summer to early fall, and they attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Care Guide
To care for Alcea Rugosa, you should provide it with regular watering, fertilization, and soil maintenance. This plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, and it should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You should also fertilize the plant every spring with a balanced fertilizer, and you may need to provide additional fertilizer during the growing season if the plant seems to be struggling.Alcea Rugosa prefers full sun to partial shade, and it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is hardy in zones 3 to 9, which means that it can survive in a wide range of climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alcea Rugosa is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot. To prevent these issues, you should provide the plant with good air circulation and avoid watering it from overhead. You can also apply a fungicide if necessary.
Habitat
Alcea Rugosa is native to Central Asia, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America. It can be found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, fields, and roadsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Alcea Rugosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Alcea Rugosa can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full height potential.
Q: How often should I fertilize Alcea Rugosa?
A: You should fertilize Alcea Rugosa every spring with a balanced fertilizer, and you may need to provide additional fertilizer during the growing season if the plant seems to be struggling.
Q: Does Alcea Rugosa attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Alcea Rugosa produces large, showy flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How do I propagate Alcea Rugosa?
A: Alcea Rugosa can be propagated by seed or by division. To propagate by seed, you should sow the seeds in the fall or early spring. To propagate by division, you should divide the plant in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Alcea Rosea
- Alcea Ficifolia
- Alcea Cannabina
- Alcea Setosa
References
- “Alcea Rugosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c636.
- “Alcea Rugosa.” Plant Finder. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/alcea-rugosa.
- “Alcea Rugosa.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 10, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9538/Alcea-rugosa/Details.
