Overview
Alcea rugosa is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Alcea, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Alcea rugosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Alcea rugosa, the Russian hollyhock, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is native to Ukraine, Crimea, south European Russia, and the Caucasus, and has been introduced as a garden escapee into Wisconsin and Maryland in the United States.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Alcea rugosa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Alcea
- 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
Alcea rugosa size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Alcea rugosa
- Propagation
- Seed sown in gentle heat in mid-winter, or in situ in spring
- Pest resistance
- Cutworms, Slugs, Capsid bugs, Aphids, Mallow flea beetles
- Disease resistance
- Hollyhock rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Alcea rugosa?
Alcea rugosa prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Alcea rugosa need?
Alcea rugosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Alcea rugosa hardy in the UK?
Alcea rugosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Alcea rugosa?
Seed sown in gentle heat in mid-winter, or in situ in spring.
