PLANT PROFILE
What A short-lived perennial or biennial and a member of the Malvaceae (mallow) family.
Origins Wild species of Alcea are native to Asia and Europe.
Season From May to early October.
Size Can grow up to 2.5m tall with a spread of between 40cm and 1m.
Conditions Alcea grow best in a sunny position. They can grow in a range of growing media from well-drained fertile soil, to gravel paths and cracks in paving. Although they can grow well on exposed sites, some shelter can be beneficial to prevent them being rocked over in strong winds.
Hardy throughout the UK. Most have
