Especially among the old varieties there seem to be some that can get quite old. However, if an apparently old hollyhock suddenly blooms in a different color than last year, then it is a new self-sown plant. The seeds of the hollyhock germinate so easily and reliably that something like this is hardly noticeable. If you don't collect the seeds consistently, your hollyhocks will soon be spreading all over the garden and blooming in locations where you hardly suspected it would.
also read
- When does the hollyhock bloom?
- Farmer rose and hollyhock - are they the same plant?
- Is Male Loyal a Perennial?
How do I overwinter my hollyhock?
The hollyhock is hardy, but only conditionally. So it can only tolerate low frost temperatures. If it is very cold or if the frost lasts for a long time, the hollyhock should be given winter protection. A thick layer of sticks or leaves is sufficient for hardy varieties.
Some varieties do not tolerate frost at all. You can overwinter these sensitive 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 good time. If you prevent the seeds from ripening, the hollyhock will sprout again next year and bloom again. So cut off the withered inflorescences before the seeds ripen, ideally even before the seeds have formed.
The essentials in brief:
- usually every two years
- Cutting back as a life-extending measure
- moderately hardy
Tips
If you want your hollyhock to bloom for several years, cut off the withered inflorescences before the seeds form in them.
