Alcea 'Sunshine'

Alcea 'Sunshine': A Golden Beacon in the Summer Border

Alcea ‘Sunshine’ radiates warmth and cheer with tall spires of buttery-yellow blooms that rise like shafts of sunlight through summer borders. A single-flowered selection from the Spotlight™ series, it blends classic hollyhock form with modern garden reliability. Blooming from midsummer into fall, 'Sunshine' brings vertical brightness and pollinator appeal to sunny beds, fences, and cottage-style plantings. Its soft golden blooms and upright habit make it a glowing focal point in any summer display.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 180–210 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a tall, narrow clump
• Flower Colour: Lemon-yellow single blooms with golden centres
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer, often into early fall
• Foliage: Large, lobed green leaves with coarse texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil; avoid wet sites

Uses and Benefits: 'Sunshine' is perfect for adding height, light, and summer-long colour to full-sun borders. Its golden blooms are a magnet for bees and butterflies, while its tall stems create natural vertical structure without feeling bulky. Whether planted along a fence, in a cottage-style border, or as a dramatic backdrop, 'Sunshine' brings energy and elegance to the garden. Though biennial by nature, it often self-sows to ensure repeat performances.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Sunshine' with Agastache 'Rosie Posie' for vibrant pink contrast and a continuous summer bloom. Add Achillea 'Sassy Summer Lemon' for a layered yellow effect and complementary texture. For movement and vertical reinforcement, include Panicum virgatum 'Northwind'—its upright form and shifting blades enhance the structure and extend seasonal interest. Together, these selections form a bright, pollinator-rich planting that thrives in sun and heat.

Care Instructions: Stake tall stems in windy areas. Deadhead to encourage further blooms or allow to seed for future growth. Cut back in late fall. Space plants for good air circulation and water at the base to help prevent rust.

History: Alcea rosea, the classic hollyhock, originated in Asia and has adorned cottage gardens across Europe and North America for centuries. 'Sunshine', from the Spotlight™ series, was bred for upright strength, single-petalled clarity, and enhanced garden performance. Its clear yellow blooms are less common in the hollyhock world, offering a sunny twist on a beloved garden staple.

Final Thoughts: Alcea 'Sunshine' is pure summer radiance—bold, bright, and beautifully simple. With its tall stature, cheerful blooms, and reliable presence, it adds an uplifting energy to sunny borders and pollinator plantings. Whether you're designing with contrast or echoing warm tones, 'Sunshine' brings perennial joy in a timeless vertical form.