Alcea rosea 'Halo Lavender'

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

Part of the bicolored 'Halo' series of hollyhocks, Alcea rosea 'Halo Lavender' bears large purple single flowers with a contrasting pink-white centre. Flowering in its first year, 'Halo Lavender' is easy to grow and perfect for planting in groups at the back of a sunny border. For best results, grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Cut down Alcea rosea 'Halo Lavender' after flowering to encourage fresh basal growth.