Hollyhock 'Chater's Icicle White'

Chater’s Double Icicle White Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

Chater’s Double Icicle White brings an ethereal elegance to the garden with its pure white, fully double blooms, reminiscent of snowball peonies. These stunning 3–4 inch flowers spiral up tall 5–7 foot stalks, creating a glowing vertical element that’s beautiful in moon gardens, romantic beds, or bridal-themed borders.

This easy-to-grow biennial forms a base of leafy growth in year one, then bursts into bloom in the second season. Cut back after flowering for the chance of a second bloom in fall, and leave some seed heads to self-sow for a natural return. Bees and butterflies love them.

Also known as Double White Hollyhock, it’s a timeless, peaceful presence in any sunny space.

DETAILS:
 
QTY: 40

TYPE: Biennial

SITE: Full Sun - Part Shade

DEPTH: 1/8" 

GERMINATION: 10-14 Days at 15-21°C

HEIGHT: 60 - 84"

MATURITY: 75 - 90 days (Second season)

SPACING: 12"

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Transplant (recommended): Start seeds indoors in seedling trays 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Sow on the surface of the soil or cover lightly, as some light aids germination. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing (alternative): Direct sowing can be done after the last frost, but germination may be slower and less reliable.

Pinching and Support: Hollyhocks typically do not require pinching. Deadheading spent flowers after the first flush of blooms can encourage reblooming in late summer to fall. Allow some flowers to go to seed in autumn if you want them to self-sow and return the following year. Taller varieties may require staking to prevent their heavy flower stalks from toppling over.

Soil Preference and Watering: Hollyhocks prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal issues.

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not typically necessary for hollyhocks. A single application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at planting time is usually sufficient.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest stems when the flowers at the bottom of the stalk have begun to open.

Other Tips: Hollyhocks will focus on foliage and root development in the first season, with blooms appearing in the second year. They are ideal for borders, pollinator gardens, and cut flower production.