Eventual height & spread
× Alcalthaea suffrutescens 'Parkallee'
shrubby hollyhock (syn. Alcea × Althaea Parkallee)
- 9cm pot
- £12.99
- In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
- 3 × 9cm pots
- £29.99 £10.00 each
- In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately-fertile, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: July to November
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A cross between hollyhock (Alcea spp.) and an Althaea, this tall plant puts on a prolific display of flowers, that no longer suffers rust like its forebear. ‘Parkallee’ forms a spreading vase shape, and its stems will be evenly studded with open bowl-shaped flowers from July to November. Each flower emerges a light apricot and fades to a buttermilk-cream as it matures. The centre of each is speckled with bronze stamens and a central frill of tiny petals.
Plant in full sun in well-drained, humus-rich soil; improve heavy or clay soil with compost before planting. Add well-rotted compost and mycorrhizal fungi to the planting hole, spacing plants 60–90cm (2-3ft) apart to suit their tall, bushy growth.
Water during dry spells and mulch thickly to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Provide strong support as tall stems may need staking. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. In autumn, cut stems back to 50–60cm (1.5-2ft), then prune harder in spring as growth resumes to encourage a compact habit.
Apply winter mulch around the crown for protection and avoid ground conditions prone to waterlogging in cold, wet conditions.
Water during dry spells and mulch thickly to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Provide strong support as tall stems may need staking. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. In autumn, cut stems back to 50–60cm (1.5-2ft), then prune harder in spring as growth resumes to encourage a compact habit.
Apply winter mulch around the crown for protection and avoid ground conditions prone to waterlogging in cold, wet conditions.