Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’

Description

Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’ is a compact hollyhock variety known for its stunning lemon-yellow flowers. This dwarf variety is ideal for smaller gardens and containers, bringing a bright, cheerful colour to garden beds and borders. Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’ is easy to grow and maintain, making it a favourite for both novice and experienced gardeners. Follow this detailed planting guide to ensure it thrives in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Time to Plant

For optimal growth, plant Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’ in the spring when the soil has begun to warm. This gives the roots time to establish before the flowering season begins. Alternatively, you can plant in early autumn, allowing the plant to settle before winter dormancy, ensuring vigorous growth the following year.

Site Selection

Sunlight: Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’ thrives in full sunlight. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to promote lush growth and continuous blooming throughout the summer.

Soil: For best results, plant your Alcea in well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged conditions as they can lead to root rot. If necessary, improve drainage by mixing organic matter such as compost into the soil before planting. This will also enhance soil fertility and encourage healthy growth.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of the plant. This allows the roots to spread out comfortably and establish themselves in the soil.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or other organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and fertility. This provides your Alcea with the nutrients it needs to thrive and produce an abundance of blooms.
3. Planting: Place the root ball into the hole, ensuring the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it down to eliminate air pockets that could hinder root growth.
4. Watering: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. This helps settle the soil around the roots and promotes initial root establishment. Ensure the soil drains well to avoid any standing water around the plant.

Watering Needs

Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’ is moderately drought-tolerant once established. During the growing season, water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root problems. During dormancy, reduce watering significantly unless the soil becomes excessively dry.

Fertilising

1. Early Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to promote vigorous growth and prepare Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’ for the flowering season.
2. Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer helps to encourage continued blooming and keeps your Alcea healthy throughout the growing season.

Pruning

1. Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming period of Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’. This not only encourages more flowers but also keeps the plant looking neat and tidy.
2. Autumn Pruning: After the last flowers have faded, cut back the plant to ground level to prepare it for winter dormancy. This helps promote stronger growth in the following season.

Mulching and Winter Protection

1. Spring Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as compost or bark chips, around the base of Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’ in spring. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
2. Winter Mulching: Before winter, apply a thicker layer of mulch to protect the plant’s roots from cold temperatures and frost heaving. This ensures the plant survives through winter and returns healthy in spring.

Supporting the Plant

Although Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’ is a compact variety, it may require staking in areas with high winds. Use stakes to support the tall flower spikes and prevent them from bending or breaking during windy conditions.

Final Tips

By following these planting and care tips, Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’ will reward you with beautiful, lemon-yellow blooms from early summer to autumn. Its compact size makes it perfect for borders, small gardens, and containers, while its striking colour brings a cheerful brightness to any space. Regular watering, well-drained soil, and a sunny location are key to ensuring its success.

Incorporating Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrities Lemon’ into your garden will not only enhance the beauty of your space but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. With proper care, this delightful plant will bring long-lasting colour and joy to your garden season after season.

 

RHS Details

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