Hollyhocks: Alcea rosea 'Nigra'

description for "Hollyhocks: Alcea rosea 'Nigra'"

'Nigra' is a strikingly colored plant and is commonly known as The Watchman—a curious name of unknown origin. The large single flowers are colored deep maroon, so dark it appears to be black. 'Nigra' mixes well with yellow or pink. Hollyhock is a biennial. An old-fashioned plant often seen growing alongside older farmhouses where it can reseed freely. It provides a strong vertical effect in the garden, the flower spikes often reaching over 72 inches high. Flower petals and bud are edible. It is easy to grow, but the foliage is often affected by rust or Japanese beetles, so treatment may be necessary.