Yellow Fig-Leaved Holleyhock

Yellow fig-leaved hollyhock (Alcea rugosa), also called Russian hollyhock, is a tall biennial or short-lived perennial with deeply lobed, crinkled leaves. Upright stems carry pale yellow, funnel-shaped flowers from late spring into late summer, making it a strong vertical accent for a sunny back border or fence. At 4–6 ft tall and 18–24 in wide, it can self-seed; [Gardenia](https://www.gardenia.net/plant/alcea-rugosa) notes its relative resistance to hollyhock rust, and [UBC Botanical Garden](https://botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/news-events/august-in-the-garden-2022/) records its soft-yellow flowers on tall upright stems. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun for best flowering; light shade is tolerated. Fertile, well-drained soil suits it, and winter-wet soil should be avoided. Water young plants while they establish, then water mature plants during extended hot or dry spells. A sheltered location helps keep tall stems upright. ## Seasonal interest Flowering extends from late spring through summer. Its yellow flowers rise above the lobed foliage and work well as a background feature or natural screen. ## Maintenance Cut stems back after flowering to encourage another flush, and remove old stalks at the end of the season. Allow some seed heads to mature if self-sowing is desired; otherwise remove them before seed forms. [Gardenia](https://www.gardenia.net/plant/alcea-rugosa) provides the species care guidance used here.