Alcea 'Blacknight'

Alcea 'Blacknight': A Dramatic Flourish of Midnight Blooms

Elevate your garden to a realm of sophistication and drama with Alcea 'Blacknight', a stunning variety of Hollyhock that boasts deep, velvety maroon flowers, nearly black in appearance. Part of the celebrated Spotlight Series, 'Blacknight' captivates all who gaze upon it, offering a striking contrast to the traditional garden palette. Ideal for gardeners who desire to add a touch of mystery and elegance to their outdoor spaces, this perennial biennial stands as a testament to the beauty that can be found in the darker corners of nature.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Soars to an impressive height of 180-240 cm, making it an ideal choice for creating vertical interest in the garden, against walls, or along fences.
• Spread: Features a moderate spread of 60-90 cm, with its lush foliage forming an attractive base for the towering spires of blooms.
• Flower Colour: Boasts striking, deep maroon to almost black flowers, each petal a rich, velvety canvas that adds depth and intensity to the garden's color scheme.
• Flowering Period: Flowers from mid to late summer, offering a captivating display when many other plants begin to wane, and continues to enchant into the fall.
• Foliage: Exhibits broad, green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the dramatic spikes of flowers, enhancing the plant's overall visual appeal.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun, basking in its warmth to produce the most vivid blooms and healthiest growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil, showing adaptability to a range of soil types. 'Blacknight' is notably drought-tolerant once established, making it a resilient choice for varied garden settings.

Uses and Benefits: Alcea 'Blacknight' is not only a feast for the eyes but also serves as a beacon for pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to its nectar-rich flowers. Its towering height and striking color make it a perfect choice for adding architectural interest to cottage gardens, mixed borders, and as a backdrop in perennial beds. Beyond its ornamental value, 'Blacknight' brings a unique aesthetic to cut flower arrangements, offering a touch of drama and sophistication.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Blacknight' with plants that complement its dark beauty and enhance its gothic charm. Brightly colored flowers such as Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit', Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm', or Salvia 'Caradonna' can provide striking contrasts, while silver-foliaged plants like Artemisia or Lamb's Ear accentuate its deep hues.

Care Instructions: 'Blacknight' is easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance to thrive. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it is quite drought-resistant. Stake tall stems to support the heavy blooms, especially in windy areas. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage further flowering and extend the blooming period. In colder climates, apply a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect the roots.

History: Alcea 'Blacknight' is a celebrated member of the Spotlight Series, bred for its unique flower color, robust growth habit, and improved disease resistance. This series represents a modern take on the classic Hollyhock, bringing new levels of beauty and performance to this beloved garden favorite.

Final Thoughts: Alcea 'Blacknight' offers gardeners a chance to explore the darker side of beauty, with its sumptuous, near-black blooms and statuesque presence. Whether used as a dramatic focal point or woven into the fabric of a mixed border, 'Blacknight' promises to add a touch of elegance and mystery to any garden setting. Let this enchanting variety cast its spell over your garden, creating a landscape rich with color, height, and pollinator activity.