About
Alcea ficifolia is a robust perennial known for its unique, lobed leaves that resemble figs. This short-lived species produces tall, straight spikes adorned with sizable, open, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom in summer and early autumn. The flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, copper, pink, red, and white.
About the genus
Alcea consists of sturdy biennials or short-lived perennials characterized by large, funnel-shaped blooms arranged in tall, upright racemes during the summer months.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Will grow well in slightly fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Staking might be necessary in exposed areas
- Pruning
- Cut back dead foliage after flowering or pull out and discard
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to slugs and flea beetles
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to rust