Growing Alcea (Hollyhock)

Pronunciation: al-see'uh 

Prefers full sun (or partial shade in the South) and moist but well-drained soil with near-neutral pH. May require staking. Rust, a fungus that appears as brown spotting on the leaves, can sometimes be a problem. Combat with applications of sulfur begun early in the season. Red spider mites and caterpillars often plague Hollyhocks grown in the South (A. rugosa is a notable exception).