- Author: Jutta Thoerner
- Editor: Noni Todd
Hollyhock
By Jutta Thoerner UCCE Master Gardener
Scientific name: Alcea species
Plant size: 3-8 feet tall, 1-3 feet wide.
Bloom description and season: Flowers are single or double, cup shaped and start at the bottom of the stalk and continue all the way up. Colors are blue, orange, pink, purple, red, white, yellow and black. Bloom time is May-August.
Pruning needs: none
Exposure: partial shade to full sun
Water needs: none
Hollyhocks never seem to go out of style. Seeing these towering plants in full bloom can evoke nostalgic memories of a grandparents' cottage garden. A defining feature is their size, easily reaching 6-8 feet with the entire stalk lined with stunning flowers that attract bumble bees and hummingbirds. Most hollyhocks are biannual, meaning they bloom during their second year. However, Crème de Cassis is a variety that will bloom its first year.
Hollyhocks require no water, even in the heat of the summer. They'll accept acidic, neutral or alkaline soil that is clay, silty or sandy. And like most plants, hollyhocks do prefer well drained soil. Strong winds can bend these tall flowering stalks, therefore, planting by a fence or in front of a wall is recommended.
Hollyhocks are easily grown by seed. When the flowers are spent, each flower turns into a large seed pod. Allow the seed pod to mature on the plant until the husk is dried, and they can be easily picked off. Simply drop the seeds on the ground in the location where you want hollyhocks to grow and bloom next year. No need to cover the seeds with soil or water. These self-sufficient seeds need no additional assistance. Damp or foggy climates can lead to rust on hollyhock leaves. Picking off the infected leaves and disposing of them is sufficient for managing this issue.
I can't think of a single reason not to add hollyhocks to your garden for next year! If you have extra seeds, consider adding hollyhock seeds to your gift giving list so your friends and family can enjoy the plant that draws your eye to the sky!
Advice to Grow By Workshops
Our next San Luis Obispo Advice to Grow By Workshop will be January 21st, 2024. The subject will be “Fruit trees-How Winter Care Can Aid Warm Weather Success”. More information to follow.
You can view workshops on Instagram live at slo mg or visit our You Tube channel at “San Luis Obispo County UC Master Gardeners.”
Visit our website at ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/ or email questions to anrmgslo@ucanr.edu.
UCCE Master Gardener Helpline offices:
San Luis Obispo: 805-781-5939 (Monday and Thursday 1:00 to 5:00)
Arroyo Grande: 805-473-7190 (Wednesday 10:00 to 12:00)
Templeton: 805-434-4105 (Wednesday 9:00 to 12:00)
- Author: Andrea Peck
- Editor: Noni Todd
Blue Eyed Grass
By Andrea Peck UCCE Master Gardener
Common name of plant: Blue-Eyed Grass
Scientific name: Sisyrinchium bellum
Planting area: USDA Zones 4-9
Size: 6-18” tall, 6-12” wide
Bloom Season: Spring to Summer
Exposure: Full or partial sun
Water needs: Low
Blue-eyed grass is an eye-catching California native that blooms from spring through summer, which is often seen in open fields or woodlands. Its stunning blue-lavender petals are offset by brilliant yellow centers. Its gray-green stems and thin, sword-like leaves would lead you to believe blue-eyed grass is a type of grass. However, this pretty flower is actually part of the Iris family.
Blue-eyed grass doesn't need major fussing over when it comes to soil, but it does prefer moderate irrigation and adequate drainage. Loamy soil is even better as it would prevent water loss and require less tending. As a California native, it's acclimated to short periods of drought. This plant is relatively hardy during cold snaps as it can withstand temperatures down to 20°F.
Blue-eyed grass gives the gardener a rare pop of blue in the garden. After flowering, it will reseed in the way only a native plant can do---as if it's been plotting for months where it'll lay down its next digs, selecting a nice spot to pleasantly surprise you.
Birds, butterflies, and bees love the blue-eyed grass. It's easy to see how the purple-blue and yellow combination pulls pollinators in---it has an intensity that is somewhat mesmerizing.
On a practical note, this plant is listed on several fire-resistant plant lists and is considered a good landscape addition when creating a fire-defensive space.
At the end of the season, it is recommended that you cut the foliage back and allow the plant to regenerate for more blooms next year. One word of warning---when small, this little dynamo is often mistaken for a weedy tuft of grass. Don't pluck it! Let it get through this awkward phase and you'll be rewarded with a beautiful plant in the spring.
