Alcea rosea Chater's Double Maroon seeds - Hollyhock

Alcea rosea 'Chater's Double Maroon' is a majestic hollyhock with very double flowers, in maroon with dark garnet highlights. They succeed each other throughout the summer on giant floral spikes, attracting many pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies. They are susceptible to wind so will benefit from the shelter of a wall or hedge. More biennial than perennial, this variety self-seeds spontaneously. A great classic for cottage or countryside gardens!

Alcea rosea, the hollyhock, belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is a species native to Asia Minor, notably Turkey and Palestine. This plant has long been cultivated and even naturalised in Western Europe. The 'Chater's Double Maroon' variety is part of the 'Chater's' series, selected in the UK by Thomas Chater in the 19th century. The 'Chater's' are characterised by very double flowers, full of satin petals, in various colours. The 'Maroon' cultivar produces floral spikes that can reach between 1.80 m and 2.50 m in height. They are adorned with numerous flowers with tight and crumpled petals, giving them a charming pom-pom collar appearance. The flowers, measuring 8 to 10 cm in diameter, have a very rich colour, mixing brown, burgundy and garnet highlights. This flowering appears in the second year, starting in June-July and continuing until August, with the flowers opening successively from the bottom to the top of the spike. After flowering, the plant produces dry fruits filled with seeds that naturally self-seed, in conditions that suit it, such as wall crevices or rocky soils. The light green foliage is composed of lobed and rounded leaves gathered in a tuft at the base of the plant. It is semi-evergreen.

The 'Chater's Double Maroon' hollyhock is perfect in rural settings and large "English-style" borders. Its dark brown-red colour pairs well with pastel pink tones, but also with warm colours like red, purple, or green. Pair it with Alcea rosea Chater's Double Salmon or 'Mars Magic' for example. Add some bronze fennel to bring lightness to your composition. Common lady's mantle can create a charming anise green mossy carpet at the base of other plants.