Flower Library
Hollyhock
Alcea rosea · Malvaceae (Malvengewächse)
The hollyhock is a true sign of summer: on tall, ramrod-straight stems sit row upon row of cup-shaped blooms in nearly every colour imaginable. It brings nostalgic cottage-garden charm to any bouquet and adds welcome height and structure. Because it is only available for a few weeks a year, we source it fresh in season via the Veiling Rhein-Maas and condition it at exactly the right moment.
- Season
- June – July – August – September
- Vase life
- 6–10 days
- Latin name
- Alcea rosea
- Colors
- White, Soft pink, Pink, Magenta, Red, Burgundy, Yellow, Apricot, Violet, Near-black
Botanically the hollyhock belongs to the mallow family and is closely related to mallow and hibiscus. Although it is mostly grown as a biennial garden plant, it appears regularly in summer floristry as a cut flower. Its hallmarks are the long flowering spikes, on which the blooms open from the bottom upward, and the rough, heart-shaped leaves.
Variety-wise the range spans from simple, open cup blooms to densely doubled, rose-like forms. The Chater’s Double group produces full, pompon-like double flowers in yellow, pink, violet or wine-red, while the near-black “Nigra” cultivar looks especially elegant with its deep dark blooms and golden-yellow throat. Single varieties reveal their decorative crown of stamens and feel more natural and rustic.
In floristry we mainly use the hollyhock as a line and height element in rustic summer bouquets and large arrangements. Its architectural form pairs beautifully with loose meadow and cottage-garden bouquets. Correct conditioning matters: we cut the stems once the lowest three to five blooms have opened, strip the foliage and briefly dip the stem end in hot water so the milky sap is sealed and the vase life is noticeably extended.
Stylistically the hollyhock is at its best in opulent, naturalistic arrangements. It harmonises with summer perennials, dahlias, yarrow, delphinium and grasses, lending any composition a romantic character reminiscent of old gardens. In a tall floor vase even a single stem commands real presence.
Care
- 01Cut the stems fresh and at an angle once the lowest three to five blooms have opened.
- 02Briefly dip the stem end (about 30 to 40 seconds) in hot water to seal the milky sap and extend vase life.
- 03Remove all leaves below the water line so the water does not turn foul.
- 04Use a clean vase with lukewarm water and flower food; change the water every two days.
- 05Pluck spent individual blooms from the stem so the higher buds keep opening and the stem stays attractive for longer.
- 06Keep cool and away from direct sun, draughts and ripening fruit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a hollyhock last in the vase?
- With proper conditioning and the short hot-water dip, a hollyhock lasts roughly six to ten days. Because the blooms open one after another from the bottom up, the stem stays decorative throughout. Removing spent individual blooms regularly extends the display even further.
- Is the hollyhock toxic to cats, dogs or children?
- The hollyhock is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, as well as to humans. The blooms are even edible and are occasionally used as a garnish. For sensitive skin, contact with the rough leaves can be mildly irritating, so it is worth handling it carefully when arranging.
- When are hollyhocks in season?
- The main hollyhock season is high summer, roughly from June to September, peaking in July and August. As a cut flower it is only available fresh within this window. In season we source it directly via the auction at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, so the stems reach us in A1 quality and especially fresh.
- What does the hollyhock symbolise?
- The hollyhock symbolises fertility, abundance and mutual respect. As a classic cottage-garden flower it also stands for home, steadfastness and a modest, natural beauty, which makes it an evocative gift for long-standing bonds.