Alcea rosea 'Chater's Red,' - Hollyhock

Alcea rosea 'Chater's Red'

Bold and Beautiful Cottage Garden Classic

Alcea rosea 'Chater's Red,' commonly known as Hollyhock, is a traditional cottage garden favourite with a dramatic twist. This striking biennial or short-lived perennial produces towering spires adorned with fully double, crimson-red blooms, adding height and vibrant colour to borders and walls. A timeless choice for creating a romantic, old-world charm in any garden.

Blooming from mid to late summer, 'Chater's Red' attracts bees and butterflies, making it a fantastic option for wildlife-friendly planting schemes. Perfect for the back of borders, alongside fences, or even as a living screen, this versatile plant is guaranteed to impress with its bold colour and vertical interest.

Why Choose Alcea rosea 'Chater's Red'?

• Spectacular Blooms: Double, deep red flowers create a stunning display.
• Pollinator-Friendly: A magnet for bees and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity.
• Architectural Appeal: Adds dramatic height and structure to any garden.
• Classic Cottage Garden Charm: A quintessential choice for traditional and romantic gardens.
• Long Blooming Period: Blooms from mid to late summer for lasting beauty.

Care Instructions

Light Requirements:
Thrives in full sun.

Soil:
Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Suitable for loam, sandy, or chalky soil types.

Watering:
Water regularly during dry spells to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season.

Fertilizer:
Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in spring to promote strong growth and vibrant blooms.

Staking:
Tall stems may require staking in windy areas to prevent them from bending or breaking.

Pruning:
Remove spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and tidy the plant. At the end of the season, cut back stems to ground level.

Planting Advice:

• Space plants approximately 45 cm apart.
• Can be sown directly into the ground or started in pots for later transplanting.

Winter Care:
Although hardy, a layer of mulch can help protect the roots in colder regions.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Alcea rosea 'Chater's Red'
• Common Name: Hollyhock
• Flower Colour: Deep crimson red
• Foliage Colour: Mid-green
• Mature Height: 180–200 cm
• Mature Spread: 50–60 cm
• Habit: Upright, tall
• Hardiness: Hardy (UK zones)
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil Acidity: Neutral to slightly alkaline
• Soil Moisture: Moist but well-drained
• Life Cycle: Biennial or short-lived perennial
• Scented: No
• Pollinator-Friendly: Yes

Where to Use Alcea rosea 'Chater's Red'

• Ideal for cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly gardens, and traditional borders.
• Perfect for the back of borders, against fences, or near walls for added support.
• Adds vertical interest to mixed plantings or as a standalone statement.

Transform your garden with the bold, towering beauty of Alcea rosea 'Chater's Red.' This classic hollyhock brings a touch of timeless charm and wildlife-friendly appeal to any outdoor space.