Summer Carnival Hollyhock

Alcea rosea ‘Summer Carnival’ is a 1972 All-America Selections hollyhock with large double and semi-double flowers in a mix of yellow, salmon, red, rose, pink, orange, and white. It brings a tall flower display to sunny cottage gardens and the back of a border. ## Flowers and form The [All-America Selections historical winner page](https://all-americaselections.org/grow-some-history-with-aas-winners/) records Summer Carnival as a 1972 winner and describes its multicolored flowers. The blooms open along sturdy upright stems. Suppliers report heights from about 4 feet to 6 feet, so allow room for tall flower spikes; exposed stems may need support. ## Siting and use Grow in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. The [Park Seed listing](https://www.parkseed.com/products/summer-carnival-hollyhock-mix-seeds-00985-pk-p1) gives a 3–9 hardiness range and early- to late-summer bloom. Pinetree Garden Seeds describes it as a biennial. Use it as a back-border plant or cut flower, and leave some seedheads if self-sowing is desired. ## Maintenance Water young plants while they establish. Cut away faded flower stems as needed, and support stems in exposed locations. Avoid persistently wet soil.