Nigra Alcea Plant

Nigra Alcea Plant, sometimes known as The Watchman, produces tall spires of darkly colored blossoms, often described as chocolate-maroon or deep purplish black. Known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, the yellow eye of this attention-grabbing Hollyhock blossom gives way to the deepest, darkest, maroon color, lightening slightly towards the gently frilled edges.

Our Alcea Plants are grown with great care, free from harmful pesticides, making them safe for your garden and the environment. Guaranteed to arrive alive and thriving!

Planting Instructions:

• - Can be planted spring, summer, or fall

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0

Watering Specifics:

• - Water deeply and regularly during the establishment period
• - Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings once established

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers

Pruning and Training:

• - Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering
• - Cut back stems to the base in late fall after flowering has finished
• - Consider staking tall plants to prevent them from toppling in windy conditions

Additional Pest Management:

• - Monitor for common pests like Japanese beetles and aphids
• - Keep an eye out for rust, a common fungal issue with hollyhocks; remove affected leaves and provide good air circulation

Blooming Indicators:

• - Blooms from mid-summer to early fall

Light Requirements:

• - Can tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates, but flowering may be reduced

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Tolerates heat and humidity; prefers cooler nights

Companion Plants for Alcea:

• - Delphinium: Their tall, spiky blooms create a stunning vertical contrast with Alcea
• - Lupine: Adds additional height and a variety of colors to the garden
• - Foxglove: Complements Alcea's stature and attracts pollinators
• - Echinacea: Their daisy-like flowers provide a textural contrast with Alcea’s larger blooms
• - Campanula: Adds a delicate touch with its bell-shaped flowers