Alcea 'Blacknight'

Alcea 'Blacknight': Dramatic Spires with Gothic Elegance

Alcea ‘Blacknight’ is a breathtaking hollyhock that conjures drama and romance in equal measure. Its towering spires of near-black, velvety maroon blooms rise boldly through summer, offering an intense, moody counterpoint to softer garden tones. Perfect for back-of-border placements or along fences and walls, 'Blacknight' adds vertical structure and vintage atmosphere to cottage gardens and heritage-style plantings. Though technically a biennial, it often self-seeds, making repeat performances a common and welcome feature in the sunny garden.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 180–240 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, with a tall, upright habit
• Flower Colour: Deep maroon to near-black with a velvety sheen
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer
• Foliage: Large, coarsely lobed green leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; avoid wet conditions

Uses and Benefits: 'Blacknight' is ideal for creating height, depth, and a touch of drama in sunny borders. Its nectar-rich flowers draw bees and butterflies, while its striking colour lends bold contrast to lighter plantings. Whether framing an entrance, accenting a stone wall, or serving as a backdrop to lower perennials, this hollyhock offers heritage charm with modern visual impact. Though most often treated as a biennial, its tendency to self-seed adds a naturalistic rhythm to the border over time.

Companion Plants: Combine 'Blacknight' with Agastache 'Guava Lava' for a fiery, mid-border complement—its coral-red blooms contrast beautifully with the hollyhock’s dark richness. Soften the base with Calamintha nepeta, whose airy white flowers and aromatic foliage bring movement and lightness. Add Schizachyrium scoparium 'Standing Ovation' to anchor the planting—its vertical blue-green blades echo the form of the hollyhock while bringing fall interest and bronzed tones that mirror 'Blacknight'’s moody palette.

Care Instructions: Stake if needed to support tall flowering stems. Deadhead to encourage extended bloom or allow to set seed for natural reseeding. Cut back in autumn. Space plants to improve air circulation and reduce risk of rust. Avoid overhead watering.

History: A descendant of the historic Alcea rosea 'Nigra' line, 'Blacknight' draws from a lineage grown in European and North American gardens for centuries. Its almost-black flowers were famously cultivated at Monticello by Thomas Jefferson. Modern breeding has enhanced its colour depth and garden reliability while preserving its timeless character and cottage garden appeal.

Final Thoughts: With its towering presence and velvety, dark-toned flowers, Alcea 'Blacknight' offers a captivating mix of structure, history, and bold beauty. For gardeners seeking dramatic vertical accents and vintage charm, this hollyhock delivers with flair and enduring appeal.