The hollyhock is usually traded as a two-year-old plant, but sometimes it grows older. But often it just seems that way. Then a new plant grows unnoticed through self-sowing and replaces the old hollyhock.
Is a hollyhock perennial?
Hollyhocks are generally biennial plants, but by pruning the wilted inflorescences in a timely manner before seeds form, they can bloom for several years. They are moderately hardy and require winter protection in cold regions.
Especially among the old varieties, there seem to be some that can get quite old. However, if a seemingly old hollyhock suddenly blooms in a different color than last year, then it is a new self-sown plant. The hollyhock seeds germinate so easily and reliably that something like this is hardly noticeable. If you don't collect the seeds consistently, your hollyhocks will soon spread all over the garden and bloom in places where you hardly expected.
How do I overwinter my hollyhock?
The hollyhock is hardy, but only to a limited extent. It therefore only tolerates low frost temperatures. If it is very cold or the frost lasts for a long time, then the hollyhock should be given winter protection. A thick layer of brushwood or leaves is sufficient for winter-hardy varieties.
Some varieties cannot tolerate frost at all. You can overwinter these delicate hollyhocks in a frost-free greenhouse or in the basement. The temperature there should ideally be between 8 °C and 12 °C. Water these plants about every two weeks to prevent their root ball from drying out.
Life extension through timely pruning
You can easily extend the life of your hollyhocks by pruning them in a timely manner. If you prevent the seeds from ripening, the hollyhock will sprout again next year and bloom again. So cut off the wilted inflorescences before the seeds ripen, ideally even before the seeds have formed.
The most important things in brief:
- usually biennial
- Pruning as a life-extending measure
- moderately hardy
Tip
If you want your hollyhock to bloom for several years, cut off the wilted inflorescences before the seeds form in them.
