Alcea 'Blacknight'

Alcea 'Blacknight': Tall, Dark and Practically Black

Deep black-purple blooms with a pale yellow eye, marching up spikes taller than most of your relatives. 'Blacknight' is the moody teenager who grew up to be a fashion designer. VERTICAL, VELVET, VILLAINOUS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Alcea rosea 'Blacknight'
• Common Name: Hollyhock
• Series: Spotlight Series, from Jelitto Perennial Seeds
• Height: 150–180 cm (5–6 ft)
• Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Flowers: Single, deep black-purple blooms with a pale yellow eye, along tall spikes
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to late summer (July to August)
• Foliage: Broad, rounded green leaves at the base
• Features: Good cut flower, vertical accent

Where to Plant: It belongs at the back of the border, along a fence, against a wall or by the side of a garage. The near-black flowers look most dramatic against pale colours, and the tall stems also work in big arrangements.

Companion Plants: Aster 'Mönch' sits at the hollyhock's feet with lavender daisies from July to September. Coreopsis 'Baby Sun' brings bright yellow to the front edge, a strong contrast with the deep purple spires. Iris 'Immortality' adds sword-like leaves and white flowers in June, often coming back from August to October. Plant all three in full sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in rich, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. A spot against a wall or fence gives the tall stems some shelter from wind. Water through the first season and during dry spells. Rust is the classic hollyhock problem. It shows up as orange spots under the leaves, mainly in humid weather. Give plants good air flow, water at the base, remove spotted leaves, and clean up all old foliage in fall. Cut flower stalks down after bloom, or leave a few to drop seed for future plants. Hollyhocks have a long taproot, so plant them where they can stay.

History: Hollyhocks have been cottage garden staples for centuries, and Alcea rosea is often treated as a biennial or short-lived perennial. Jelitto Perennial Seeds introduced the Spotlight Series in 2010, selecting for plants that bloom in their first year and return as perennials.

Final Thoughts: Plant it against a fence where it can loom properly. The hummingbirds will be thrilled. THE COTTAGE GARDEN JUST WENT AFTER HOURS.