Alcea ficifolia (Antwerp hollyhock)

Botanical name

Alcea ficifolia

Other names

Antwerp hollyhock, Fig hollyhock, Fig leaf hollyhock, Fig-leaved hollyhock, Althaea ficifolia

Genus

Species

Native to

Siberia

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Erect

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Colour

Flower

Pale-yellow in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in Summer

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Capsid bug , Caterpillars , Flea beetles , Slugs

Diseases

Susceptible to a rust.

General care

Pruning

Cut back after flowering or remove.

Propagation

If grown as an annual, sow at 13C (55F) in late winter. Alternatively, sow in situ in midsummer.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Alcea ficifolia (Antwerp hollyhock) will reach a height of 2.4m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Staking advised (particularly in windy locations). Grow as an annual or biennial to control spread of hollyhock rust.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3, Zone 2

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Alcea ficifolia (Antwerp hollyhock)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Alcea ficifolia (Antwerp hollyhock)

Common pest name

cotton mealybug

Scientific pest name

Phenacoccus solenopsis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Watching brief for potential impact on tomato production in the Mediterranean. Other southern European countries likely to be more at risk. Precautionary action will be taken on findings on planting material to protect glasshouse crops and botanical gardens.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Alcea ficifolia (Antwerp hollyhock)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Spilostethus hospes

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

1

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Seed bug unlikely to pose a significant threat to UK plant health.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/