Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Crimson’

Description

Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Crimson’, commonly known as hollyhock, is a vibrant perennial that produces striking crimson blooms from early summer through autumn. This dwarf variety is perfect for smaller gardens or container planting, offering both height and a rich splash of colour. To ensure your Alcea thrives, follow this detailed guide on planting, caring, and maintaining it.

Best Time to Plant

The ideal planting time for Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Crimson’ is in spring, when the soil has started to warm up, and there’s no risk of frost. Planting during this time allows the roots to establish quickly, supporting healthy growth and a prolonged blooming season. Alternatively, you can also plant in early autumn to give the roots time to settle before winter dormancy, which will ensure robust growth the following spring.

Site Selection

Sunlight: Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Crimson’ flourishes in full sun. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to encourage prolific flowering and ensure strong, healthy plants.

Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil. Alcea can tolerate a range of soil types, but it thrives best in fertile soil with good drainage. To prevent waterlogging, especially during rainy periods, improve drainage by mixing organic matter, such as compost, into the planting area.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and equal in depth to the root ball of the plant. This allows room for the roots to spread and establish well.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to enhance nutrient availability and drainage. This step will help your Alcea grow vigorously and produce abundant blooms.
3. Planting: Place the root ball into the hole, ensuring that the crown is at ground level. Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. Make sure the soil drains well to avoid the plant sitting in soggy conditions.

Watering Needs

Once established, Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Crimson’ is moderately drought-tolerant. During dry spells, water regularly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions to avoid root rot. Reduce watering during the dormant winter months, only providing moisture if the soil becomes too dry.

Fertilising

1. Early Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support new growth and strong flowering throughout the season.
2. Mid-Summer: A light mid-summer feeding can help boost flower production and keep Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Crimson’ looking vibrant.

Pruning

1. Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage the plant to produce more flowers and maintain a neat appearance.
2. End-of-Season Pruning: After the flowering season is over in late autumn, cut Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Crimson’ back to ground level to promote healthy growth next spring and prepare the plant for winter dormancy.

Mulching and Winter Protection

1. Spring Mulching: In spring, apply organic mulch, such as compost or bark chips, around the base of your Alcea. This will help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
2. Winter Mulching: Protect the plant’s roots from freezing conditions by applying a thick layer of mulch before winter. This will help prevent frost heaving and ensure a healthy plant next season.

Supporting the Plant

Although Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Crimson’ is a compact variety, in areas prone to strong winds, it may benefit from staking to prevent the tall flower spikes from bending or breaking.

Final Tips

By following this care guide, Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Crimson’ will reward you with stunning crimson blooms throughout the summer months. Its striking appearance, combined with its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, makes it a valuable addition to any garden. Whether planted in borders or containers, this Alcea offers long-lasting colour and interest, making it a must-have for any garden enthusiast.

For best results, remember to plant Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Crimson’ in full sun, water moderately, and provide organic matter to enrich the soil. With minimal maintenance, this plant will thrive and bring continuous beauty to your garden.

 

RHS Details

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