What to Do With Hollyhocks After Flowering: A Comprehensive Guide
What to Do With Hollyhocks After Flowering?
After hollyhocks have finished flowering, there are several options for what to do with them.
One option is to let the seedpods dry up naturally instead of cutting down the plant immediately after flowering.
When the seed pods have a crumbly, papery texture and start to open up on their own, the seeds can be collected.
These seeds can then be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place until they can be planted in the fall or the following spring.
Another option is to prune the hollyhocks after flowering by removing the flower stalks and oldest foliage.
This redirects energy from seed production to foliage, leading to healthier leaves.
It is important to note that rust may develop on hollyhocks in the second part of the summer, and if this occurs, the whole plant needs to be removed to prevent the fungus from spreading to other plants in the same family.
Additionally, transplants may not always work well with hollyhocks due to their tap root structure, so it is typically recommended to start new hollyhocks from seeds instead of moving existing ones.
Key Points:
- Let the seedpods dry up naturally after flowering
- Collect the seeds when the pods have a crumbly, papery texture and start to open up
- Store the seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place for planting in the fall or the following spring
- Prune the hollyhocks after flowering by removing the flower stalks and oldest foliage
- Note that rust may develop on hollyhocks in the second part of the summer, requiring the removal of the whole plant to prevent the spread of the fungus
- Starting new hollyhocks from seeds is typically recommended instead of transplanting due to their tap root structure.
Did You Know?
1. Despite having a reputation as a biennial or perennial plant, hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are actually classified as a short-lived perennial, typically surviving for only 2-3 years.
2. The hollyhock plant is related to the mallow family (Malvaceae), which includes other popular ornamental flowers such as hibiscus and rose of Sharon.
3. Hollyhocks were historically used for medicinal purposes in traditional herbal medicine, with the flowers and leaves being infused to create a soothing tea for respiratory issues such as coughs and sore throats.
4. Did you know that hollyhocks were a beloved subject for painter Vincent van Gogh? He frequently featured them in his artwork, capturing their vibrant colors and delicate petals.
5. Hollyhocks are a magnet for pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, due to their nectar-rich flowers. By planting hollyhocks, you can create a beautiful haven for these pollinators and contribute to their population’s well-being.
Lifecycle And Types Of Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are popular flowers in cottage gardens that add nostalgia and charm to any landscape. These tall plants can grow up to 6-8 feet, and they produce beautiful blooms in various colors, such as blue, pink, purple, red, white, yellow, and even black.
An important aspect to understand about hollyhocks is their lifecycle. Many types of hollyhocks are biennials, meaning they complete their lifecycle over two years. In the first year, hollyhocks focus on establishing strong root systems and building up energy reserves. They may not produce flowers during this time. However, certain varieties can behave like short-lived perennials and bloom in their first year if planted early in spring or started indoors in winter.
In the second year, hollyhocks channel all their energy into producing a stunning display of flowers. From June to August, these vibrant blooms attract pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds, to the garden. When the flower season ends, it is important to know how to care for hollyhocks to ensure their health and longevity.
- Hollyhocks are biennial plants, completing their lifecycle over two years.
- Some varieties of hollyhocks can bloom in their first year if planted early or started indoors.
- During their first year, hollyhocks establish strong root systems and build up energy reserves.
- Hollyhocks produce stunning flowers from June to August, attracting bees and hummingbirds.
- To ensure the health and longevity of hollyhocks, proper care is required after the flowering season ends.
“Hollyhocks are a beautiful addition to any garden, with their tall stature and colorful blooms.”
Care And Maintenance Tips For Hollyhocks
Taking care of hollyhocks involves a few essential steps to ensure their continued growth and success in the garden. One vital aspect of hollyhock care is staking and cutting back after flowering. Due to their towering height, hollyhocks require sturdy support, such as a fence, wall, trellis, or stake, to prevent them from toppling over. Installing supports early in the season will help the plants grow upright and prevent any damage from strong winds or heavy rain.
After hollyhock flowers fade, it is recommended to remove individual flowers and cut back entire stalks to the base. This practice helps redirect the plant’s energy from seed production to foliage development, resulting in healthier leaves. Although a secondary bloom may occur in mid to late September, it may be fewer in number and smaller in size. At this point, rust, a common fungal infection that tends to develop on hollyhocks, may become more prevalent. Any plant showing signs of rust should be promptly removed.
Regular watering is essential when starting hollyhocks, but once established, they are known for their drought tolerance. It is important to water hollyhocks from below and avoid wetting the foliage, as this can promote the development of diseased leaves. Rust is a common fungal infection that affects hollyhocks and can be prevented by practicing good air circulation, watering from below, and cleaning up fallen foliage in the fall.
- Staking and cutting back after flowering are essential for hollyhock care.
- Hollyhocks require sturdy support to prevent them from toppling over.
- Removing individual flowers and cutting back entire stalks redirects energy to foliage development.
- Promptly remove any hollyhock plants showing signs of rust.
- Water hollyhocks from below to avoid wetting the foliage.
- Practice good air circulation and clean up fallen foliage in the fall to prevent rust.
Common Problems And Diseases In Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks are generally hardy plants, but they can still fall prey to certain problems and diseases. One common issue is rust, a fungal infection that manifests as orange or brown spots on the leaves. To prevent rust, it is essential to:
- water hollyhocks from below
- practice good air circulation by spacing the plants adequately
- remove any foliage showing signs of infection.
It’s important to note that rust cannot be cured, and removing the whole plant is necessary to prevent the fungus from spreading to other plants in the same family.
In addition to rust, hollyhocks can also be susceptible to attacks from various pests including:
- hollyhock weevils
- slugs
- snails
- spider mites
- Japanese beetles.
These pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of hollyhocks. To manage these pests, it’s recommended to employ organic pest control methods such as:
- handpicking
- using traps
- applying insecticidal soap.
Remember, a healthy hollyhock garden requires careful attention to both pest prevention and disease management.
Propagation And Transplanting Hollyhocks
Propagation of hollyhocks can be achieved through various methods, including:
-
Direct sowing of seeds: Leave flowers and some stalks until the seeds drop and are ready to be collected. The seeds should have a crumbly, papery texture and start to open up on their own. These seeds can be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place until they can be planted in the fall or the following spring.
-
Collecting and storing seeds: Allow the seeds to fully mature and dry before collecting them. Store the seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place until they are ready to be planted.
-
Transplanting small, first-year hollyhocks: Transplanting hollyhocks can be challenging due to their long taproot structure. Hollyhocks have a large root that goes straight down from the stem, and breaking off the taproot during transplanting significantly diminishes the chances of the plant reestablishing itself in a new location. However, small, first-year hollyhocks may have a better chance of success when transplanted.
It is often recommended to start new hollyhocks from seeds instead of moving existing plants because of the difficulties associated with transplanting.
Note: Hollyhocks have a long taproot, so care should be taken during transplanting to avoid damaging the root system.
Benefits And Uses Of Hollyhocks In The Garden
Hollyhocks have a range of benefits and uses in the garden that make them a valuable addition to any landscape. Aside from their striking beauty and ability to add drama and height to a garden, hollyhocks attract hummingbirds and butterflies, providing essential pollination services. They also act as host plants for painted lady butterflies, supporting their lifecycle.
In terms of companions, hollyhocks can be planted alongside a variety of other flowering plants, such as dahlias, clematis, Shasta daisies, shrub roses, baby’s breath, black-eyed Susans, phlox, sweet William, and climbing roses. Their tall stature and colorful blooms create a stunning visual display when planted in combination with these companions.
Furthermore, hollyhocks have a rich history and are known for their edible flowers. The 4-inch blooms of hollyhocks can be used to garnish salads, desserts, or even cocktails, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to culinary creations.
Hence, hollyhocks offer more than just their aesthetic beauty to a garden. From their remarkable lifecycle to their care and maintenance requirements, hollyhocks require attention and effort to ensure their health and longevity. By understanding the common problems they may face, how to propagate and transplant them, and the benefits they bring to the garden, gardeners can fully appreciate and make the most of these timeless cottage garden favorites.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do with hollyhocks after they finish blooming?
After hollyhocks have finished blooming, there are a few options to consider. One approach is to selectively remove individual faded flowers and cut back entire stalks to the base. By doing so, seed heads will be prevented from forming and reseeding. However, if you desire to have seeds for next spring, it is advisable to leave some flowers and stalks intact until the seeds have dropped. This way, you can ensure a potential future bloom while still controlling seed dispersal. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for seed production or preventing reseeding.
Can hollyhocks be cut down after flowering?
Yes, hollyhocks can be cut down after flowering to tidy up the plants. It is recommended to start this process in late August or early September by removing any broken flower spikes, cutting them down to the ground. However, it is important to leave any upright and flowering spikes in place until they have set seed or if they become damaged. This allows the hollyhocks to continue blooming and ensures the production of new seeds for future growth.
Do hollyhocks bloom once?
Hollyhocks can indeed bloom more than once in a season if properly cared for. While some varieties only bloom in their first year if planted early enough, others are considered short-lived perennials. After flowering, it is recommended to cut them to the ground, provide adequate water and nutrients, as this can encourage another round of blooming, sometimes even twice during the same season. So, with the right maintenance, hollyhocks have the potential to display their vibrant blooms multiple times.
Do hollyhock flowers come back?
Yes, Hollyhock flowers have a unique way of returning each year. Although they are technically biennial, they often reappear in different areas of the garden after they have flowered and produced seeds. This gives the illusion of them being perennial since they consistently return, just not in the same spot. So while their comeback is inevitable, the thrill lies in discovering where these resilient flowers will bloom next.