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Description
Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple, also known as Hollyhock, is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is native to China and Central Asia but is now widely cultivated around the world for its attractive flowers. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and produces large, showy flowers that vary in color from white to pink, red, purple, and even black. The blooms are arranged in a tall, spire-like structure that makes them a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Alcea |
Appearance
Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple has a tall, erect stem that can reach up to 6 feet in height. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and slightly lobed, with a rough texture. The flowers are the main attraction of the plant, and they can grow up to 4 inches in diameter. The blooms are arranged in a tall, spire-like structure that can be up to 8 feet tall. The petals are heart-shaped and have a slightly ruffled edge. The flowers are typically purple in color, but they can also be white, pink, red, or black.
Care Guide
Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have specific requirements that must be met to ensure its health and vitality.
Water
This plant requires regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Soil
This plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does not do well in heavy clay soils.
Sunlight
Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple requires full sun to thrive. It should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple can be susceptible to several common pests and diseases, including:
Pests
– Aphids- Spider mites- Japanese beetles- Slugs and snails
Diseases
– Rust- Leaf spot- Powdery mildew
Habitat
Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple is native to China and Central Asia, but it is now widely cultivated around the world for its attractive flowers. It is commonly found in gardens, parks, and other landscaped areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple a perennial or an annual?
A: Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple is a perennial plant, meaning it will come back year after year.
Q: How tall can Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple grow?
A: Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple can grow up to 6 feet tall, with a spire-like structure that can reach up to 8 feet tall.
Q: How often should Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple be watered?
A: Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple should be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the best time of year to plant Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple?
A: The best time to plant Alcea Rosea Spring Celebrities Purple is in the spring, after the last frost date in your area.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Alcea genus include:- Alcea Rosea ‘Chater’s Double’- Alcea Rosea ‘Nigra’- Alcea Rugosa- Alcea Pallida
References
– “Alcea Rosea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286549.- “Hollyhock.” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, www.almanac.com/plant/hollyhock.
