Alcea rosea 'Nigra'

We heard about stunning Alcea rosea 'Nigra' for years before stumbling on it at the Montreal Botanic Garden. The form is the classic single Hollyhock, but the color is a maroon so deep it looks black. It makes a riveting presence in the garden, providing a dark backdrop for soft shades and blending perfectly with bolder hues.

The common Hollyhock is one of the most desirable garden plants nature ever invented. Alcea should be planted in full sun and, if placed in a protected location, might not need to be staked. Flowering begins in June here and continues into August. Rust, a fungus that appears as orange-brown spotting on the leaves, can sometimes be a problem, but seems to have little effect on the vigor of the plant. This can be avoided or diminished by providing ample air circulation around the plants. If necessary, treat with applications of Neem Oil or sulfur starting early in the season.

For more information on growing Alcea, click Growing Guide.

HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED

The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.

WHEN WE SHIP

We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.