Chater's Double Mix Hollyhock

Chater’s Double Mix is a biennial hollyhock grown for tall summer spires of fully double flowers in mixed colors. Its upright form brings a cottage-garden backdrop and strong vertical color to sunny borders, fences, and cutting beds. ## Landscape Use and Seasonal Interest The flower mix includes pink, red, white, and yellow; color varies among plants. Plants commonly reach roughly 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft), with narrow ground spread, though this range reflects the broader Chater’s Double Group. It is most effective toward the back of a border or beside a fence, where the flowering stems can rise above shorter perennials. The biennial life cycle means foliage is usually established before flowering in the second season; plants can also self-sow. [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/374843/alcea-rosea-chaters-mix/details) · [Applewood Seed Company](https://www.applewoodseed.com/product/hollyhock-chaters-double-mix/) ## Siting Choose full sun and reasonably fertile, well-drained soil. Give plants room for air movement and shelter the tall stems from strong winds; stakes may be useful at exposed sites. The species is susceptible to hollyhock rust, which can spot and prematurely damage foliage. Avoid crowding and overhead watering, and remove infected or spent debris as appropriate. [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/alcea-rosea/common-name/hollyhocks/) · [UW–Madison Extension](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/hollyhock-rust/) ## Maintenance Support flower spikes if they lean in wind. Remove affected leaves promptly and clear hollyhock debris after the season to reduce rust carryover. Leave healthy seed heads where self-sowing is wanted; otherwise remove them before seed dispersal.