Alcea rosea 'Halo Blush' (Halo Series)
ABOUT
The 'Halo Blush' is a captivating variety from the Halo Series, known for its delightful flowers and robust appeal. Distinguished by its striking blossoms, each large, saucer-shaped flower displays a lovely pale pink to white hue with a contrasting, deep purple to reddish-purple center, forming a halo effect which gives the series its name. The blooms are arranged neatly along tall spikes that rise majestically above the foliage, providing a vertical element to the garden. The plant's broad green leaves are rough to the touch, with a slightly hairy texture, and form a low mound which serves as a lush backdrop to the colorful spikes of flowers. The leaves' shape tends to be rounded with pronounced lobes, adding to its overall texture and visual interest. As part of the Halo Series, 'Halo Blush' stands out for its bicolored flowers that attract a range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden. This plant typically blooms in the summer months, bringing a prolonged period of vibrancy and color to outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Malvaceae
Synonyms
Hollyhock, Rose Mallow, Garden Mallow
Common names
Althaea rosea, Alcea rosea.
ToxicityTo humans
Hollyhocks are not typically toxic to humans. In fact, they have a history of use in traditional medicine. However, as with any plant, some individuals may be sensitive or allergic to hollyhocks, which could cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction when touched or ingested. Always exercise caution and consult with a medical professional if you suspect poisoning.
To pets
Hollyhocks are generally considered non-toxic to pets. They do not contain any known toxic compounds that would pose a risk to dogs or cats if ingested in small amounts. As with any non-food plant, eating large quantities could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the plant material's physical nature rather than its toxicity. If a pet exhibits symptoms after ingesting hollyhocks, contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: This variety is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its tall spikes of large, colorful blossoms, it provides a vertical accent and adds dramatic height to garden borders and beds.
- Long Blooming Period: 'Halo Blush' has a relatively long flowering season, offering continuous blooms from mid-summer to fall.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for gardens with limited water availability.
- Easy to Grow: It is typically easy to cultivate in a range of soil types as long as they are well-drained.
- Cottage Garden Style: This plant is ideal for a traditional cottage garden look due to its quintessential old-world charm and structure.
- Variety of Uses: It can be used in mixed borders, as a standalone specimen, or for creating a backdrop for lower-growing plants.
- Self-Seeding: The plant may self-seed under optimal conditions, providing new plants for the following seasons without extra cost or effort.
- Resistant to Deer and Rabbits: Its height and texture make it less appealing to deer and rabbits, which can be beneficial in areas where these animals are a common nuisance.
- Cut Flower: Blossoms can be cut and used in floral arrangements, adding beauty indoors as well as in the garden.
- Color Variety: The 'Halo Series', including 'Halo Blush', offers a range of colors in its blooms, which can be mixed and matched for a diverse garden palette.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Decorations: The flowers of the Hollyhock 'Halo Blush' can be used as pretty, edible garnishes on cakes and desserts.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The blossoms and leaves can be used to create a natural dye for fabric, imparting subtle colors to textiles.
- Livestock Feed: In some regions, Hollyhocks are used as feed for livestock due to their high fiber content.
- Companion Planting: When planted in the vegetable garden, Hollyhocks can attract beneficial insects that help with pest control.
- Potpourri Ingredient: Dried Hollyhock flowers can be included in potpourri mixes for a soft fragrance and delightful texture.
- Photography Prop: Hollyhock 'Halo Blush' can be used by photographers as a natural prop due to their striking flowers and tall stature.
- Recycled Paper Making: The fibrous stems of Hollyhocks can be used in homemade paper making for added texture.
- Biofilters: The roots and stems of Hollyhocks can be included in biofilters for cleaning wastewater in constructed wetlands.
- Symbolic Gifts: Hollyhocks carry various symbolic meanings, like fertility and abundance, and can be given as thoughtful gifts in certain cultures.
- Green Manure: After they bloom, Hollyhocks can be cut down and used as green manure to enrich the soil with organic matter.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHollyhocks are not specifically mentioned in traditional Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHollyhocks are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fertility and Abundance: Alcea rosea, commonly known as Hollyhock, often symbolizes fertility due to its prolific seed production and ability to reseed itself, suggesting a bountiful and abundant nature.
- Resilience: Hollyhocks are known for their strong stalks and ability to grow in challenging conditions, which makes them a symbol of resilience and overcoming adversity.
- Ambition: With their tall spikes reaching towards the sky, hollyhocks can be seen as a representation of ambition and the desire to achieve one's goals.
- Heartfelt Emotions: The lush flowers of the hollyhock are often associated with the expression of deep feelings, conveying an open heart and genuine emotions.
- Beauty and Elegance: The 'Halo Blush' variety, with its beautiful halo effect in the blooms, enhances the symbolic meaning of hollyhocks with a particular emphasis on beauty, elegance, and gracefulness.
WaterHollyhocks, including the 'Halo Blush', enjoy consistently moist soil, especially during their growing season. Water them deeply about once a week, providing 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant, depending on the weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, you might need to water more frequently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Be sure to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, apply water directly to the base of the plant. During the winter or in cooler climates, reduce watering since the plants require less moisture.
LightHollyhocks thrive in full sunlight, so place your 'Halo Blush' in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. These plants can tolerate a little dappled shade, especially in hotter regions, but too much shade can lead to spindly growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureHollyhocks, including 'Halo Blush', are cold hardy and can survive temperatures as low as 20°F, but they grow best when temperatures range between 60°F and 80°F. They can tolerate heat well, but in areas with high temperatures exceeding 90°F, providing afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent stress.
PruningPruning Hollyhocks like 'Halo Blush' is essential to promote vigorous growth and better flowering. Remove spent flower stalks to encourage new blooms. After flowering, cut back the entire plant by about half to rejuvenate it. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHollyhock 'Halo Blush' thrives in well-draining fertile soil with generous organic matter and prefers a pH range of 6.0-8.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and a light addition of sand or perlite can provide the necessary drainage and nutrient content. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
RepottingHollyhocks, like 'Halo Blush', are biennials or short-lived perennials and do not often require repotting. If grown in containers, they may be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil, usually in early spring before they begin their growth cycle.
Humidity & MistingHollyhock 'Halo Blush' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate conditions. Excessive humidity can foster fungal diseases, thus good air circulation is essential to keep the plant healthy.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure tall pots, ample light, and staking if needed.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, space for tall growth, staking.
Hardiness zone
2-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Alcea rosea 'Halo Blush' is Hollyhock. Hollyhocks begin their life cycle as seeds, which germinate in spring when soil temperatures warm up. The first stage is seedling growth, where the plant develops its initial set of true leaves and begins to establish a root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing more leaves and stems and increasing in size; this stage can last through its first year, as hollyhocks are often biennials. In their second year, they enter the reproductive stage, where they develop tall flower spikes with a series of large, colorful blooms that can attract pollinators. After flowering and pollination, hollyhocks set seeds which then disperse to start a new generation, and the parent plant may die back, although some may act as short-lived perennials and come back for a few years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea 'Halo Blush') is through seed. Ideal time for sowing Hollyhock seeds is late winter to early spring, taking advantage of the season's gradual warming for optimal germination. To propagate, one should prepare a well-draining soil mix in a flat or container and scatter the seeds on the surface, lightly pressing them into the soil, as they require light to germinate. The soil should be kept moist but not soaking wet. In approximately two to three weeks at temperatures between 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 21 degrees Celsius), the seeds will germinate. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (approximately 46 to 61 centimeters) to accommodate their mature size.
