How to Grow French Hollyhock

French hollyhock is not a true hollyhock, but is a mallow cultivar known by the Latin name Malva sylestris "Zebrina." Other common names for this plant are zebra mallow, striped mallow and common mallow. It is an old-fashioned flower that looks most at home in a cottage-style garden. Its mauve to purple flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and bloom from midsummer to midfall. Plant French hollyhock as a border plant or in containers, or nestle it among other classic cottage garden plants such as larkspur and old roses.

Soil pH test kit
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Instructions

- 1
  Select a site that provides partial to full sun. Consider the mature size of French hollyhock when selecting a site, and space the plant accordingly. Expect it to grow 2 to 3 feet high and spread up to 2 feet wide.
- 2
  Test the pH level of your garden soil before planting French hollyhock, which prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Amend the soil as needed.
- 3
  Transplant potted plants directly into the garden in early spring after the last frost. Start seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost is expected, and transplant them into the ground after hardening them off by exposing them to outdoor conditions a little at a time.
- 4
  Keep French hollyhock evenly moist. Do not let the plant dry out completely between waterings.
- 5
  Take care not to mistake new plants for weeds in the early spring. French hollyhock reseeds itself each fall. New seedlings can be transplanted or allowed to grow where they sprouted if there is adequate space.

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