Alcea rosea Chater's Double Scarlet seeds - Hollyhock

The 'Chater's Double Scarlet' hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is an eye-catching variety due to its large, very double scarlet red flowers. An upright and robust plant, reaching up to 2.5 metres in height, it creates a spectacular effect in borders or against a wall. Ideal for cottage gardens, this biennial self-seeds naturally in the garden. It blooms generously for a good part of the summer.

Belonging to the Malvaceae family, the botanical species Alcea rosea is native to Asia Minor and has naturalised in many European gardens. 'Chater's Double Scarlet', a cultivar created in the 19th century by Thomas Chater, is famous for its imposing floral spikes that can reach 2 to 2.5 metres in height. The plant grows quickly and first forms a rosette of large, rounded, lobed, fairly light green leaves. From this base a sturdy floral stem rises in the second year, bearing multiple flowers that bloom from June to August. The flower buds open successively to reveal eye-catching, very double, superb scarlet flowers of around 10 cm in diameter. Like all hollyhocks, it attracts pollinators and easily self-seeds after flowering. The plant produces dry fruits containing numerous seeds.

The 'Chater's Double Scarlet' hollyhock integrates perfectly in the background of a border or along a wall against which its floral spikes can be protected from the wind. To create a spectacular display, it can be paired with perennials such as yellow or orange-flowered yarrows, which balance its fiery colour. It also pairs well with Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' for a contrast of vibrant colours, or Verbascum phlomoides 'Spica' for a complementary flowering in more subtle tones. Lastly, tall bellflowers like Campanula lactiflora with light purple flowers will form a beautiful combination of form and colour with this hollyhock.