Hollyhocks, with their tall spires of colorful blooms, are a classic cottage garden flower. But did you know you can also grow these beauties successfully in pots and containers? With the right care and preparation, container-grown hollyhocks can thrive and add stunning vertical interest to patios, balconies, and small spaces.
Choosing the Right Hollyhock Varieties for Pots
When selecting hollyhocks for containers look for dwarf or semi-dwarf cultivars that grow to around 3-4 feet tall. Standard hollyhock varieties can reach heights of 6-8 feet, which is too large for most pots.
Some excellent compact hollyhock varieties for containers include
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Majorette Mix – A dwarf series growing 24-36 inches tall with a mix of bright single colors.
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Chater’s Double Mix – Semi-dwarf double-flower hybrids in shades of red, white, pink, yellow, and more.
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Queeny Mix – Gorgeous semi-dwarf double blooms on 30-36 inch plants.
Sticking with short or medium-height hollyhock varieties will ensure your container plants don’t become top heavy and topple over.
Choosing the Right Pot for Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks need deep pots, at least 12-14 inches deep, to accommodate their long taproots. Shallow pots will restrict root growth.
For standard sized hollyhocks, an 18-20 inch deep container is best. Dwarf varieties can thrive in 14 inch pots.
Make sure your container has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Plastic, terracotta, wood, and metal pots all work well as long as they provide adequate drainage.
Soil and Site Selection
Hollyhocks prefer nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. When planting, use a quality potting mix amended with compost. You can also add perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.
Site your containers in full sun, ideally against a wall or fence protected from strong winds. Hollyhocks tend to grow tall and lanky and appreciate shelter.
Planting and Care
Plant hollyhock roots or seedlings at the same level they were growing in their nursery pot. Water thoroughly after planting.
To help stabilize plants, insert a tall sturdy stake at planting time in the center of the pot. As the hollyhocks grow, loosely tie the stems to the stake.
Provide 1-2 inches of water per week. Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings. Feed every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Overwintering Container Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks die back each winter. Before the first frost, cut plants back to about 6 inches tall. Remove the pots from their summer location and store them in an unheated garage or basement over the winter.
Check soil moisture every 2-4 weeks and water sparingly to keep roots from drying out completely. Don’t overwater dormant plants.
Tips for Healthy Container Hollyhocks
Here are some additional tips for keeping your potted hollyhocks thriving:
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Pinch off growing tips when plants are 6-12 inches tall to encourage bushy, well-branched growth.
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Remove spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.
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Watch for aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew, treating promptly if issues arise.
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Rotate pots occasionally to ensure even sunlight exposure.
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Stake and tie plants carefully to provide support once they grow taller.
The Rewards of Growing Hollyhocks in Containers
With their vertical spires of colorful flowers, hollyhocks provide unique height and drama to container plantings. Their relatively fast growth and continuous summer blooming make them a joy to grow. Just be sure to provide rich soil, ample water and nutrients, overwintering care, and protection from wind. With a little effort, you can enjoy the graceful elegance of hollyhocks grown in pots for seasons to come.
(Video 43) Hollyhocks In Containers | Reblooming Hollyhocks Year After Year | Care/Seed Collection.
FAQ
Does hollyhock do well in pots?
Do hollyhocks like sun or shade?
What size container for hollyhocks?
Does hollyhock come back every year?
Can hollyhocks grow in pots?
Hollyhocks are not well suited to growing in containers, but with the proper care and attention, it is possible to grow this perennial in pots. Plant Hollyhocks in the spring. This stunner blooms during the spring and summer, so get an early start but wait until the risk of frost has passed.
How tall do hollyhocks grow?
Dwarf Varieties: Look for hollyhocks bred to be shorter, such as the ‘Majorette’ series, which grows to about 2–3 feet tall. These compact plants are perfect for containers. Standard Varieties: If you’re set on taller hollyhocks, varieties like ‘Chater’s Double’ or ‘Creme de Cassis’ can work, but they’ll need more support and larger containers.
Do hollyhocks need soil?
Hollyhocks need moist but well-drained soil. A peat-free soil, loam-based potting mix or a homemade equivalent with plenty of organic matter may work. If you are growing hollyhocks in containers, you will need to add fertility by laying mulch at the top of the container around the base of the plant each year.
How do I choose a hollyhock pot?
Here are some key considerations: Size: Hollyhocks have deep root systems, so choose a container that’s at least 12–18 inches deep. For taller varieties, a 24-inch deep container is ideal. Material: Terracotta pots are great for their breathability, but they can dry out quickly.