About

Alcea rosea Chater's Double Group red-flowered is a robust, short-lived perennial characterized by its lobed, rounded foliage. In summer, it produces tall, upright spikes adorned with large, double, funnel-shaped blooms in a vivid red hue.

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
Thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. May need support on exposed sites, see staking perennials
Pruning
Cut back dead foliage after flowering, or pull out and discard - growing as annuals or biennials can help limit the spread of rust
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in gentle heat in midwinter, or in situ in spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to cutworms and slugs on young growth, and to capsid bugs, aphids and mallow flea beetles
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to hollyhock rust