Also known as Eastern Hollyhock · Hollyhock · Pale Hollyhock
Biennial Hollyhock (Alcea biennis) is a striking flowering plant known for its tall spikes of colorful, large blooms, typically blooming in its second year.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained, especially during dry periods.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures; can tolerate some frost but protect from extreme cold.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring and mid-summer for best bloom production.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant but perform best with adequate moisture during the growing season.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding. In late autumn, after flowering, cut back the spent stalks to the ground to tidy the plant and prepare it for overwintering.
Propagate from seeds sown in late spring or early summer in a well-drained seed-starting mix. Alternatively, sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost. Biennial hollyhocks often self-seed readily.
Biennial hollyhocks are typically grown as annuals or biennials and are not usually repotted. If starting seeds indoors, transplant seedlings into larger pots when they have developed a few true leaves, using a standard potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Biennial Hollyhock (Alcea biennis)
Where Biennial Hollyhock (Alcea biennis) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Alcea |
| Species | Alcea biennis |
Similar in genus Alcea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
