Hollyhock (Alcea rosea var nigra) 'Black Knight'
Care
full sun, part shade
moderate
well-draining, fertile soil
4–8ft tall , 1–2ft wide
Jun-Sep
Deciduous
Friendly
Prized
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Black Knight hollyhock in full sun or part shade in spring or fall, in well-draining, fertile soil. Space plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow for good air circulation and their mature height of 4-8 feet. Hollyhocks are adaptable to most Bay Area soils and don't require special preparation, but ensure drainage is adequate to prevent root rot.
After Planting
Water moderately and keep soil moist during the first summer while your plant establishes itself. Expect flowers from June through September in year one and beyond. The biggest mistake people make is overwatering or planting in poorly draining spots - these plants are decisuous and will go dormant in winter, so cut back dramatically on water once temperatures drop. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, and let at least a few flowers go to seed if you'd like them to self-sow next year.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
peak nectar production Jun-Aug during active foraging season
generalist pollinator resource Jun-Sep
primary summer forage Jun-Sep
pollen foraging for nest provisioning Jun-Aug
adult nectar source Jul-Sep
pollen collection for brood provisioning Jul-Aug
nectar source for parasitoid wasps Jul-Sep
nectar source during spring-summer migration and breeding Jun-Aug