Description of Miniature Hollyhocks

Growth

• Miniature hollyhocks generally mature between about 2 and 4 feet tall. The plants spread to a width between 1 and 2 feet. They are perennial plants that reseed themselves and can create thick stands of blossoms over several years. The leaves on miniature hollyhocks are medium to dark green and have a rounded shape.

Blossoms

• The blossoms on miniature hollyhocks appear along the length of flowering stalks that measure 6 to 24 inches tall. They bloom in a range of shades that include pink, white purple and red. The flowers cover the stalks during the midsummer season and may remain into the late summer months. These blossoms make attractive cut flowers for use in floral arrangements and bouquets. Snipping or pinching off the spent blossoms, a process known as deadheading, will help encourage the longest possible growing season and encourage new flower buds to form.

Habitat

• Miniature hollyhocks grow natively in California, Washington and Oregon. Their natural habitat includes prairies, open woods, grassy slopes and mesas. These plants require partial shade. They prefer moist soil conditions in the winter and dry soil during the summertime. Miniature hollyhocks are hardy in USDA climate zones 5 through 9.

Propagation

• Miniature hollyhocks reproduce naturally through seeds, although hybrids do not grow true from seeds and may not resemble their parent plant. Soaking the seeds overnight in warm water will help soften the outer shell and encourage germination. Plant the seeds about two to three times deeper than their diameter. Using a well-drained soil. Keeping it slightly moist will help promote sprouting. Miniature hollyhock plants often wait until the second year of growth to produce flower buds and blossoms. Applying a general flowering plant fertilizer monthly during the active growing season will promote healthy growth and flower formation.