Alcea rosea 'Banana'

The hollyhock, Alcaea, is a classic English cottage garden plant, forming tall erect racemes of large, fully open blooms from summer to early autumn. Hollyhocks are typically perennial, but they're often grown as biennials due to their susceptibility to the fungal disease rust, which can disfigure leaves.

Alcaea 'Banana' is a double-flowered hollyhock cultivar, bearing masses of fully double, pale yellow blooms, on tall stems. For best results grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Flowers may be spoiled by wind and rain, so choose a sheltered spot if possible. Cut down Alcaea 'Banana' after flowering, to encourage fresh basal growth.