Hollyhock Colors: What Colors do Hollyhocks Bloom?
Curious wo know what colors your hollyhocks may bloom in if you plant them this season? These garden favorites can blossom in an assortment of different colors. In this article, gardening expert Paige Foley looks at the different hollyhock colors you can expect to see based on their variety.
Contents
Native to Asia, hollyhocks are known as a cottage garden staple. The dramatic height (from 3 to 8 feet tall!) and rainbow flower colors of hollyhocks add stunning dimension to any landscape. They have a large bloom window lasting from mid-summer to the first frost, and some varieties bloom in their first year.
With endless options to choose from, it may be daunting to choose the right hollyhock color and size for your space. There are several things to consider when choosing a variety. How tall do you prefer?
Do you want a single or double bloom? And the hardest choice, what color of flowers would you like to see? Here, we will discuss the different colors of hollyhocks to help narrow your search.
The Short Answer
Hollyhock comes in an array of colors, from white, red, pink, yellow and black. Yes, I said black. This is a rare flower color, which makes it a very popular choice. One of the only colors you won’t find is blue. Many seed companies sell packets of mixed varieties. If you can’t decide on one single color, mixed seed varieties are a great option.
The Long Answer
There are dozens of varieties of hollyhocks in every color of the rainbow except blue. You can spot them being grown along buildings, fences, flower beds, and in containers.
These dazzling flowers grow best in full sun with well-draining soils. However, they are very versatile and can also be grown in partial shade. The plants may be shorter in stature in shady areas and produce fewer blooms throughout the season.
Below we will discuss the different colors of hollyhock and the popular cultivars within those colors. Most of these can be found at your local garden center or online. Let’s take a deeper look at the most popular varieties by color.
Red Cultivars
For a classic red or burgundy bloom, these varieties don’t disappoint.
‘Charters Maroon’
This deep red-maroon variety has a beautiful double bloom that resembles the bloom of a peony or carnation. The bloom can get to 6 inches in diameter.
That’s a large bloom for a hollyhock! This variety would look great as a backdrop to lower-growing flowers at 5 to 7 feet tall.
‘Mars Magic’
If you are looking for a red hollyhock that will bloom in the first year. Look no further than ‘Mars Magic.’ This brilliant, red single bloom grows high above the garden of stalks that mature around 5 to 6 feet.
‘Charters Double Red’
This giant beauty is ideal for a border behind smaller annuals or perennials. A full double bloom in a classic red color sits above stalks that mature at 7 feet.
This variety is unappetizing to deer and rabbits.
Yellow Cultivars
Yellow hollyhock flowers will dazzle your garden from spring through fall.
‘Russian Yellow’
This species, Alcea rugosa, differs slightly from the Alcea rosea. This species originated from Russia and Ukraine.
Bright yellow flowers bloom from May to September, and stalks grow to 6 or 7 feet tall. This species is known for its rust resistance.
‘Charters Double Yellow’
Another beautiful charters variety with a lovely double bloom. A pale yellow bloom sits above stalks that grow to heights of 5 to 7 feet. This species has fig-like leaves, which make it a unique addition to a flower bed.
This beautiful biennial is naturally resistant to the juglone released by black walnut trees, and you can plant them nearby in your landscape.
‘Sunshine’
An excellent choice to bring light and warmth to any space. This hollyhock has bright yellow single blooms that rest atop 5 to 6-foot stalks.
It is a prime choice in pollinator gardens, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
White Cultivars
Provide a subdued hue to other vibrant blooms with white-flowering varieties.
‘Polarstar’
White is a classic and clean color to add to any flower bed or container. ‘Polarstar’ is exactly that! This hollyhock has white, single blooms with yellow-green centers.
Reaching nearly 6 feet tall, it is a great addition along a fence, building, or border of a flower bed.
‘Charters Icicle’
Although this cultivar has ice in its name, it can withstand the summer heat without fail. A large white double bloom that stands tall from early summer to late fall. This variety will see heights of 5 to 7 feet. They can get much taller if provided enough sunlight and water throughout the season.
‘Majorette Double White’
Like the ‘Charter’s Yellow,’ this hollyhock has a fluffy double bloom but much shorter stalks. It will top out at 3 feet tall. A great choice for a clean and neat flower bed or container. Cut the flowers to make a beautiful flower arrangement.
Purple Cultivars
Purple hollyhock blooms range from pastel to lavender to deep violet in color.
‘Creme De Cassis’
This first-year bloomer will produce single, semi-double, and double blooms. The petals are unique and have white outer edges and a raspberry-purple center.
This variety is an excellent choice if you are looking for a unique bloom. At 5 to 7 feet tall, they look great behind shorter annuals or perennials.
‘Queeny Purple’
Noted for its shorter stature, ‘Queeny Purple’ has a mature height of 2 to 3 feet. The blooms are purple with large frilly petals. A winner of the 2004 All-American Selection, you won’t be disappointed in this all-season bloomer.
‘Charters Double Violet’
Another beautiful variety of the charters family, this hollyhock has violet crepe-like textured blooms. Ranging from 4 to 7 feet in height, it is extremely versatile.
Plant in full sun and well-draining soils to reach heights above 7 feet. Plant in partial shade to keep this variety shorter but blooming all summer.
Pink Cultivars
From pale pink to bright fuschia, pink hollyhocks are easy to come by.
‘Henry VIII- Pink’
One of the most popular pink varieties is ‘Henry VII – Pink.’ This variety resembles its close cousin, the hibiscus. The beautiful petals go from dark pink to lighter pink towards the outer edges.
On average, this hollyhock will get 6 to 8 feet tall. With proper water, sunlight, and nutrients, this cultivar can grow over 10 feet tall.
‘Fiesta Time’
Splashes of pink painted on beautiful ruffled double blooms will bring life to any space. This is a dwarf variety that only grows to about 3 feet.
It will look excellent in a container or a low flower bed. This variety will quickly fill any space with its gorgeous blooms.
‘Radiant Rose’
If you love the look of roses but struggle to keep them alive, radiant rose hollyhocks would be a great choice. The flowers resemble wild roses and bloom in a rosy pink color.
This hollyhock will get much taller than a rose, with mature heights of 5 to 7 feet. ‘Radiant Rose’ will bloom in its first year if planted early enough in the spring.
Black Cultivars
Finding near-black flowers in any plant is rare, but this heirloom won’t disappoint.
‘Nigra’
This variety needs to be mentioned as a true classic heirloom hollyhock. It is known for its presence in the famous gardens of Monticello.
Although this variety may appear black, it’s actually a very deep chocolate-red single bloom. An excellent choice if you love planting historically-known plants.
Final Thoughts
With a wide range of color options, you can find a perfect hollyhock for any space. These flowers will not disappoint with their towering stalks of beautifully arranged flowers along the stem. They bring simple cottage charm to any container, garden, fenceline, or building border.
