Hollyhock 'Chater's Maroon'

Chater’s Maroon Double Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

Chater’s Maroon Double Hollyhock embodies the romance of old-world gardens, with fully double blooms in a rich, velvety maroon that evokes antique roses and luxurious velvet gowns. Each 3–4 inch flower is composed of satiny, ruffled petals that slowly unfurl along towering 5–7 foot stalks, creating dramatic vertical structure and a striking presence at the back of borders. Its lush, dark blooms add depth and sophistication to cottage-style gardens, paired beautifully with soft pastels, airy grasses, or creamy florals for contrast.

Beloved by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, Chater’s Maroon thrives with minimal care, flourishing in full sun and tolerating dry conditions once established. A biennial or short-lived perennial, it spends the first year building robust foliage before erupting into profuse blooms the second year. When allowed to set seed, it often self-sows, returning gently to grace borders, fences, and romantic garden corners with timeless elegance. Also known as Common Hollyhock or Double Hollyhock.

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.