We're offering you a 3 or 6 Hollyhock Chaters Doubles Plants for £4.99, saving you up to 50% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £9.99 (correct as of 25.11.2025).

Hardy Perennial Hollyhock

Transform your garden with Hollyhock 'Chater's Double Mixed' (Althaea rosea), a classic perennial renowned for its tall, double-flowered spires and cottage-garden charm. This variety is prized for its vibrant, multi-coloured blooms that stand out from June through September, bringing lasting colour and life to your outdoor space.

Why Grow Hollyhocks?

• Dramatic Structure: Mature plants reach up to 2m tall, providing vertical interest and acting as a stunning backdrop in mixed borders.
• Biodiversity Booster: The large, saucer-shaped flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinators and enhancing your garden's ecosystem.
• Space-Efficient: Despite their height, hollyhocks spread only about 60cm wide, fitting neatly into small gardens or narrow beds.

Growing Guide

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn as bare root plants.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates a range of pH levels but thrives in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.
• Sun Exposure: Grow in full sun for optimal flowering and healthy growth.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK (USDA zones 3-9), tolerating cold winters once established.

Caring for Your Hollyhocks

• Watering: Water regularly during dry spells in the first season; established plants are relatively drought-tolerant.
• Staking: Support tall stems in exposed sites to prevent wind damage.
• Pest Management: Watch for rust on leaves; remove affected foliage promptly and ensure good air circulation.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring as new growth appears.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back stems after flowering finishes.

Design Tips & Companion Planting

• Cottage Gardens: Pair with foxgloves, delphiniums, or lupins for a traditional look.
• Wildlife Borders: Combine with echinacea or verbena bonariensis to maximise pollinator appeal.
• Screens & Backdrops: Use hollyhocks at the rear of borders or along fences to create height and privacy.

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant?
  The ideal time is early spring or autumn when the soil is workable and moist. Bare root hollyhocks establish quickly when planted during these periods.
• How fast do hollyhocks grow?
  The first year focuses on root establishment; expect full flowering from the second year onwards. Mature plants reach up to 2m high by their second summer.
• What type of soil do they prefer?
  Hollyhocks thrive in well-drained, moderately fertile soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Avoid waterlogged areas for best results.