Hollyhocks will grow in average, medium, well-drained soils, although they prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil. Tolerant of short drought periods, but not wet soils in winter.

Deadheading flowers and removing flower spikes after bloom will encourage plants to act as perennials. Hollyhocks may be best treated as a biennial or short-lived perennial, leaving flower spikes in place to reseed. Although short-lived, hollyhocks freely self-seed and can establish colonies in the garden that persist for years.

Attributes: Border plants, Cut flower, Dried flower, Mass Planting, Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Hollyhocks provide excellent architectural height in the garden and make good backdrops for lower growing perennials. Though their stalks are very strong, they may need to be staked if they are planted in a windy site, unless planted against a wall or picket fence. Tolerant of the toxic Black Walnut trees juglone that is emitted through the trees' roots.