Alcea rosea

‘Chater’s Double Mix’

MIXED DOUBLE HOLLHOCKS

Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Mix’
MIXED DOUBLE HOLLYHOCKS

Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Mix’ produces blooms like powder-puffs – in a full range of colours.

Big powder-puffs of blooms 

The flowers have huge, fluffy, frilly puffball centres, resting on a backing plate of petals.

In a rainbow of colours

‘Chater’s Double Mix’ contains all the colours in the range – from deep violet – burgundy – rose – pink – scarlet – chestnut – lemon – to white.

Tall upright 1.8m. spires

Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Mix’ gives striking stacks of blooms, borne up tall, upright 1.8m flower stems.

Handsome foliage & impressive cut flowers

Handsome foliage clumps are also an asset.
While the towering flower stems can be cut for majestic flower arrangements.
So Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Mix’ make a strong garden statement to catch all eyes.

Water-wise & low maintenance

Alcea rosea are tough and easily grown plants for Full Sun to positions with a little Part Shade.

Hardy in heat, dry, frost & wide range of soils

And they really appreciate getting plenty of air-flow.

Flourish in a wide range of conditions

These rich but tough Double Hollyhocks will accept a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay, though they cannot tolerate waterlogged soils.
And will also thrive in soils with a pH on both the acid and alkaline side of neutral.
While a little pampering with fertilizer, organic matter or compost will be rewarded with bumper flower towers.

Suitable for coastal gardens

Hollyhocks are especially suitable for coastal gardens and exposed sites, as they do like to be well-aired. This will keep them nice and healthily spot free.

Strong stout stems

They are usually happily self-supporting on strong, stout stems. Though if you are in a site with howling gales you may wish to give your stately spires some shelter or stakes – so they are not bowled over.

Low maintenance

Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Mix’ are thoroughly low maintenance plants, only needing to have the spent flower stems cut to the ground after each flowering session. And this also encourages more flower spires to come on.
And dousing with seaweed or fish emulsion products from time to time will also give Hollyhocks a health boost to ward off any summer rust virus that may come their way.
(Fortunately the rust that can sometimes affect Hollyhocks in humid mid-summer conditions, is particular to the Mallow family, and does not spread to other species. If the worst comes to the worst – you can deal with it by chopping the clump back hard thus starting fresh growth – by which time the humid conditions have likely passed).

Gently self sows babies where happy

Happily they will gently self seed for you in suitable conditions, without ever becoming a nuisance.
Sadly for tropical gardeners, Hollyhocks are not suitable for areas with very humid summers.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY
Suitable for beginners & kids

Sow seeds of Alcea rosea ‘Chater’s Double Mix’ any time indoors when suitable temperatures are available (15-20°C).
OR
Scatter directly in garden from late winter to spring.

Indoors for quick plants: First sow the seeds in a punnet or in individual small pots, on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then pat gently into the surface of the mix and only just barely cover with sieved mix, sand or vermiculite.

Now thoroughly moisten the sown punnet by standing it in a shallow water bath.
And allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

Then place punnet in a warm, well-lit position (not in any direct sunlight).

Temperatures of 15-20°C approx. are best for rapid and optimum germination.

And continue to keep moist by misting the mix surface with a spray water bottle when required.
Covering the punnet or pots with a clear plastic cover or bag will also help to retain consistent moisture.

Seedlings emerge in approx. 14-21 days.

Seed Count:  30 large seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count and give a generous serve)

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