Alcea ‘Chaters Double Pink’

Description

Alcea ‘Chaters Double Pink’ is a show-stopping perennial that features tall, majestic spikes adorned with ruffled, double vibrant pink blooms. Perfect for cottage gardens, borders, or as a dramatic focal point, this hardy plant attracts pollinators and thrives in sunny locations. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Alcea ‘Chaters Double Pink’ flourishes.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: Plant Alcea ‘Chaters Double Pink’ in spring when the soil begins to warm, giving the roots time to establish before the growing season.
• Autumn: Alternatively, early autumn is another ideal time to plant, allowing the plant to settle before its dormant phase and emerge strong in the following year.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Alcea ‘Chaters Double Pink’ thrives in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily to promote strong growth and prolific flowering.
• Soil: This hollyhock requires well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Improve the soil by adding organic matter like compost to enhance drainage and fertility.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to provide essential nutrients for Alcea ‘Chaters Double Pink.’
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole gently, firming the soil around the base to eliminate air pockets.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle and encourage root establishment.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Water regularly during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Alcea ‘Chaters Double Pink’ prefers consistent moisture but allows the top layer of soil to dry slightly between watering.
• Dormant Season: Reduce watering in the dormant months, as the plant requires minimal moisture during this period.

Feeding

• Spring: Feed Alcea ‘Chaters Double Pink’ with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to promote vigorous growth and blooming.
• Mid-Summer: A second application of fertiliser mid-season will sustain its flowering performance through the summer months.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to prolong the flowering season and encourage more buds to form.
• Autumn Pruning: After flowering finishes in late summer or autumn, cut back the stems to ground level to prepare the plant for its dormant phase.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of Alcea ‘Chaters Double Pink’ to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Winter: A layer of mulch during winter helps insulate the roots and protect the plant from harsh conditions.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: The tall spikes of Alcea ‘Chaters Double Pink’ can benefit from staking, especially in exposed areas. Install stakes or plant supports early in the growing season to avoid damaging the roots.

Final Tips

Alcea ‘Chaters Double Pink’ is a low-maintenance perennial that rewards gardeners with a stunning display of vibrant pink blooms. Plant it in sunny, well-drained conditions, and follow this care guide to enjoy a summer-long display of beauty. Whether used in traditional cottage gardens or as a striking backdrop in mixed borders, this Alcea will elevate any outdoor space. With proper care, this timeless plant will attract bees and provide years of reliable, show-stopping blooms.