Alcea 'Mars Magic'

Alcea 'Mars Magic': Fiery Red Spires That Command Attention

Alcea ‘Mars Magic’ is a brilliant showstopper in the summer border, sending up towering spires of vivid, true red blooms that capture the eye and energize the garden. A standout from the Spotlight™ series, this single-flowered hollyhock combines the classic charm of an old-world favourite with modern vigour and vibrant colour. Its bold presence adds vertical drama to fences, walls, or back-of-border plantings, while each bloom serves as a magnet for bees and butterflies. With its statuesque habit and enduring garden performance, 'Mars Magic' is a radiant choice for sunny, cottage-inspired spaces.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 180–240 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, upright and stately
• Flower Colour: Bright, saturated red single blooms
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer, often continuing into early fall
• Foliage: Large, lobed green leaves form a coarse-textured base
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil

Uses and Benefits: 'Mars Magic' is ideal for creating vertical accents and colour focal points in sunny borders. Its rich red blooms bring vibrancy and structure, while its classic hollyhock form evokes nostalgic charm. Pollinator-friendly and easy to grow, it performs beautifully in cottage gardens, behind lower perennials, or beside sheds and fences. Though typically biennial, it often reseeds generously, reappearing with ease in the right conditions.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Mars Magic' with Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'—its dark purple spires contrast dramatically with the hollyhock’s red, while sharing pollinator appeal and upright form. Add Achillea 'New Vintage White' for soft brightness and a flat bloom shape that balances the hollyhock’s verticality. Include Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' for soft texture and golden movement that grounds the planting and adds warmth in late summer.

Care Instructions: Stake in windy areas to support tall stems. Deadhead for extended flowering or allow to go to seed to encourage self-sowing. Cut back in late fall. Space plants for good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to help prevent rust.

History: Alcea rosea has been a garden staple since its introduction from Asia to European gardens centuries ago. 'Mars Magic' is part of the Spotlight™ series, bred for rich colour, strong stems, and improved reliability. This modern cultivar maintains the traditional form while offering more consistent flowering and greater resistance to common hollyhock challenges.

Final Thoughts: Alcea 'Mars Magic' is a fiery highlight in any summer border—bold, upright, and bursting with colour. Whether anchoring a cottage planting or creating a glowing backdrop, it delivers garden drama with ease and elegance. For those who crave vertical impact and timeless summer colour, 'Mars Magic' is truly unforgettable.