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Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! Today, I’m super excited to share my experience and knowledge about two stunning flowering plants that often get mixed up – Hollyhocks and Rose of Sharon. As someone who’s been gardening for years, I’ve grown both these beauties and let me tell you, they each have their own special charm!
Quick Overview: The Main Differences
Before we dive deep into the details, here’s what you need to know at a glance
| Feature | Hollyhock | Rose of Sharon |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Type | Biennial/Short-lived perennial | Deciduous shrub |
| Height | 6-10 feet | 8-12 feet |
| Growth Habit | Tall, single stalks | Bushy, multiple branches |
| Blooming Period | Early-mid summer | Late summer to fall |
| Life Cycle | Usually 2 years | Perennial |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Low |
Let’s Talk About Growth Habits
Hollyhocks: The Vertical Show-offs
- Grows tall, slender stalks
- Single row of blooms along the stem
- Creates a dramatic vertical accent
- Often needs staking for support
- Forms a rosette leaf pattern at base
Rose of Sharon: The Bushy Beauty
- More shrub-like appearance
- Multiple branching stems
- Dense foliage with lobed leaves
- No staking needed
- Can be shaped into a small tree
Growing Conditions: What They Like
Hollyhocks
I’ve found that Hollyhocks can be a bit pickier about their growing conditions
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-drained soil
- Protected from strong winds
- Regular watering
- Rich, well-amended soil
Rose of Sharon
This plant is way more chill about its environment:
- Adapts to various soil types
- Handles wind better
- Tolerates both sun and partial shade
- Drought-resistant once established
- Not fussy about soil quality
Flowering Characteristics
Hollyhocks
OMG, the flowers on these babies are just gorgeous!
- Large, round blooms
- Colors include pink, white, yellow, red, and near-black
- Single or double flower forms
- Blooms from bottom to top of stalk
- Flowers can be up to 4 inches across
Rose of Sharon
These flowers give me tropical vibes:
- Trumpet-shaped blooms
- Colors in white, pink, purple, and blue
- Often has contrasting throat colors
- Abundant blooming
- Flowers about 2-3 inches wide
Maintenance and Care Tips
Hollyhocks
These need a bit more TLC:
- Regular deadheading for continuous blooms
- Support stakes for tall stalks
- Watch for rust disease
- Remove dead foliage in fall
- May need replacing every few years
Rose of Sharon
Much more low-maintenance:
- Annual pruning in late winter
- Remove suckers if unwanted
- Tolerates heavy pruning
- Disease resistant
- Long-lived with minimal care
Wildlife Appeal
Both plants are amazing for wildlife gardens! Here’s what they attract:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Other beneficial pollinators
Special Uses in the Garden
Hollyhocks
- Perfect for cottage gardens
- Great backdrop for flower beds
- Traditional English garden style
- Excellent against walls or fences
- Dramatic vertical accent
Rose of Sharon
- Makes excellent hedges
- Can be container grown
- Good specimen plant
- Works as privacy screen
- Nice foundation planting
Common Problems and Solutions
Hollyhocks
Watch out for:
- Rust disease (use fungicide)
- Japanese beetles
- Wind damage
- Root rot in wet soil
- Spider mites
Rose of Sharon
Keep an eye on:
- Leaf spot
- Aphids
- Japanese beetles
- Root rot if overwatered
- Yellowing leaves
My Personal Tips for Success
-
For Hollyhocks:
- Plant in spring after last frost
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart
- Save seeds for next year
- Add mulch around base
- Water at soil level to prevent disease
-
For Rose of Sharon:
- Plant in spring or fall
- Space 6-10 feet apart
- Prune in late winter/early spring
- Remove spent blooms if you don’t want volunteers
- Fertilize lightly in spring
Historical Fun Facts
Did ya know? Both plants have some pretty cool history:
- Hollyhocks were used medicinally in ancient times
- Rose of Sharon is South Korea’s national flower
- Both were popular in Victorian gardens
- Hollyhocks have been grown for over 2000 years
- Rose of Sharon came to Europe via the Silk Road
Final Thoughts
Look, both these plants are awesome in their own ways! If you’re asking me which one to choose, I’d say it depends on what you’re looking for. Want dramatic height and cottage garden charm? Go for Hollyhocks. Need a low-maintenance shrub that blooms late in the season? Rose of Sharon’s your girl!
Remember, gardening is all about experimenting and finding what works in your space. Don’t be afraid to try both – I did, and now I couldn’t imagine my garden without either of them!
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Hollyhocks and Hibiscus are surprisingly similar – a fact I never noticed before…
FAQ
Are hollyhocks the same as a Rose of Sharon?
In fact, my grandmother often referred to them as “Rosa Sharons.” Though the flower is similar to a Rose of Sharon, the similarities in the leaves are simply non-existent. Hollyhocks are biennial flowers, so that means the blooms will not be bright and vibrant over night, but with time, you will have a spectacular garden.
Which plants are related to hollyhocks?
Hollyhocks belong to the mallow family, Malvacea. Other plants related to hollyhocks include tropical hibiscus, rose of Sharon, and common mallow.
What is the difference between HollyHock and Mallow?
Mallow and hollyhock are related plants, with mallow being the ancestor of hollyhock. Mallow is a bushy perennial with stout stems growing up to 4 feet, while hollyhock is a different species with distinctive red or purple spikes and large white or pink flowers. The mallow plant blooms in late summer and into fall.
Which HollyHock flowers are best?
Icicle – I personally love having white flowers in my garden, and this variety of hollyhocks is perfect. The double pom pom bloom is the perfect back row for any colorful garden. The next variety that we should look at is the Alcea Ficifolia, which is a lesser known type of Hollyhock.
What color does a hollyhock Bloom?
Pink, red, and yellow blooms all emerge from the same plant and sometimes shades of purple can be seen as well. Alcea Rugosa is a type of Hollyhock that is native to Russia. It does not originate in the States, but this soft buttery yellow strain is a hardy variation that thrives nearly anywhere.
What are the different types of hollyhocks?
The next variety that we should look at is the Alcea Ficifolia, which is a lesser known type of Hollyhock. This fig-leaved Hollyhock is a robust plant that produces several stems at the base of the plant, each of which will yield blooms. Happy lights is a type of fig-leaved Hollyhocks that I really adore.