Alcea Rosea ‘Nigra’

Product Details

We heard about stunning Alcea rosea ‘Nigra’ for years before stumbling on it at the Montreal Botanic Garden. The form is the classic single Hollyhock, but the color is a maroon so deep it looks black. It makes a riveting presence in the garden, providing a dark backdrop for soft shades and blending perfectly with bolder hues.

The common Hollyhock is one of the most desirable garden plants nature ever invented. Alcea should be planted in full sun and, if placed in a protected location, might not need to be staked. Flowering begins in June here and continues into August. Rust, a fungus that appears as orange-brown spotting on the leaves, can sometimes be a problem, but seems to have little effect on the vigor of the plant. This can be avoided or diminished by providing ample air circulation around the plants. If necessary, treat with applications of Neem Oil or sulfur starting early in the season.

For more information on growing Alcea, click Growing Guide.