Chater's Double Violet Hollyhock

Chater’s Double Violet is a tall hollyhock with densely double, ruffled flowers in deep violet tones. Its upright flower spikes suit the rear of a sunny border, where the dark color and old-fashioned form can be seen above lower plantings. ## Landscape Use and Seasonal Interest The cultivar flowers in summer, with blooms opening successively along the spike. A specialist nursery lists it at about 2.2 m (7 ft) tall and 40 cm (16 in) wide; mature size varies with climate and growing conditions. Hollyhocks are often biennial or short-lived perennials, although they may persist longer in mild regions and can self-seed. [Promesse de Fleurs](https://www.promessedefleurs.ie/perennials/perennials-by-variety/alcea-rosea-hollyhocks/alcea-rosea-chaters-double-violet-hollyhock.html) ## Siting Give it full sun, or light shade where summers are hot, and shelter the tall stems from strong winds. Deep, well-drained soil is suitable; avoid leaving the crown in saturated ground. Like other hollyhocks, it can develop rust and leaf-spot diseases, especially where foliage stays wet or plants are crowded. [RHS Chater’s Double Group](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/374843/alcea-rosea-chaters-mix/details) · [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 Use a stake at exposed sites if the flowering stem leans. Keep spacing open, water at soil level, and remove diseased leaves and seasonal debris to limit rust. Allow some healthy seed heads to mature if self-sowing is wanted.