Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’

Description

Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’ is a charming dwarf hollyhock that adds soft apricot hues to your garden from May to July. With its sturdy stems and stunning double flowers, this perennial is perfect for borders, cottage gardens, or as an eye-catching focal point. Here’s how to plant and care for your Alcea rosea to ensure it thrives.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

Spring: The optimal time to plant Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’ is in spring, when the soil begins to warm. This timing helps the roots establish before the blooming season, resulting in a robust and healthy plant.

Autumn: Alternatively, you can also plant Alcea in early autumn. This allows the plant time to settle before going dormant, promoting stronger growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

Sunlight: Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’ thrives in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to encourage continuous flowering and support the plant’s health.

Soil: Ensure you select well-drained soil for your Alcea. This plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. Enhance drainage by mixing in organic matter like compost or grit.

Planting Instructions

Prepare the Hole: When planting your Alcea, dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. This gives the roots ample space to spread and grow comfortably.

Soil Preparation: Incorporate compost or other organic matter into the soil to enhance its fertility and drainage. Alcea will benefit from nutrient-rich soil, promoting vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

Planting: Position the plant in the prepared hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole and firm the soil to remove any air pockets.

Watering After Planting: Water your Alcea thoroughly after planting. This helps settle the soil and encourages the roots to establish. Ensure the area drains well to avoid waterlogged conditions.

Watering Requirements

Growing Season: Once established, Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’ is relatively drought-tolerant. Water moderately during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between sessions. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root issues.

Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as Alcea requires minimal moisture during this period.

Feeding

Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’ a strong start to the growing season. This supports healthy new growth and vibrant blooms.

Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will encourage ongoing flowering and ensure that your Alcea maintains its vigour throughout the blooming season.

Pruning

Deadheading: Regularly deadhead Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’ by removing spent flowers. This practice prolongs the blooming period, keeps the plant tidy, and encourages new flower production.

Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded in autumn, cut back the plant to ground level. This prepares the plant for winter dormancy and promotes healthier growth in the following year.

Mulching

Spring: Apply mulch in spring around the base of Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’ to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch such as bark chips or compost for optimal results.

Winter: In winter, apply mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from cold temperatures and prevent frost heaving. This ensures the plant survives through to the next growing season.

Supporting the Plant

Staking: Although Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’ generally has sturdy stems, staking may be beneficial in particularly windy areas to prevent damage and support upright growth.

Final Tips

Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’ is a low-maintenance perennial that offers soft, beautiful blooms and adds a touch of elegance to your garden. By planting it in full sun and well-drained soil and following this straightforward care routine, Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Apricot’ will reward you with vibrant flowers throughout the growing season. Incorporate this delightful plant into your garden borders or containers for a splash of warm apricot colour that lasts all summer long.

 

RHS Details

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