Alcea rosea 'Chater's Scarlet' – Hollyhock with fiery, deep red flowers

Alcea rosea 'Chater's Scarlet', better known as hollyhock 'Chater's Scarlet', is an impressive biennial with a powerful presence. Its deep red, double-double flowers bring a touch of drama and elegance to any garden. This hollyhock belongs to the renowned 'Chater's' series, bred for its rose-like blooms and rich color palette.

With its intense red, velvety petals and robust, upright growth, this hollyhock is a real eye-catcher along walls, fences, or in the back row of a border. The warm color immediately draws the eye and creates a beautiful contrast with green leaves and pastel-colored neighbors.

A classic hollyhock with English charm

The hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is an old garden favorite, cultivated in monastery and castle gardens since the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, the English nurseryman William Chater introduced a series of spectacular cultivars with large, double flowers in countless shades.

The 'Chater's Scarlet' variety is one of the most striking members of this family. The flowers resemble miniature roses and appear from June to September along tall, sturdy stems. The blooms begin low on the stem and gradually work their way up, resulting in a blooming period lasting for weeks.

In addition, the hollyhock is bee-friendly – ​​a valuable nectar source for bees, bumblebees and butterflies during the summer months.

Location and care

The Alcea rosea 'Chater's Scarlet' is a sun-worshipper. It grows best in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Planted against a wall or fence, it not only looks beautiful but also offers protection from the wind – important given its height.

Growing and care tips:

• Sow: May – July, directly in the open ground or in pots.

• Planting out: as soon as young plants are well rooted.

• Flowering period: June – September (the year after sowing).

• Height: 150 – 200 cm.

• Planting distance: 40–50 cm.

• Location: sunny and sheltered.

• Soil: nutritious, well-drained.

The hollyhock is usually biennial: it forms a rosette of leaves in the first year and blooms in the second. If a few plants are allowed to self-seed, new specimens will appear each year.

To prevent rust (Puccinia malvacearum), a common fungus affecting hollyhocks, it is important to maintain sufficient planting distance, remove affected leaves and preferably water from below.

Beautiful combinations in the garden

The fiery red of 'Chater's Scarlet' makes it a true statement plant. It brings warmth and intensity to borders and combines particularly well with cooler tones and white-flowering plants.

Beautiful combinations are for example:

• Delphinium (larkspur) – for contrasting blue.

• Campanula (bellflower) – for soft transitions.

• Echinacea purpurea (coneflower) – for extra summer colour.

• Lavandula (lavender) – for scent and texture.

Along a wall or wooden fence, the hollyhock creates a vertical eye-catcher that makes a grand impression, even in smaller gardens. It even thrives in front gardens or narrow borders, as long as it gets enough sun.

Natural beauty and biodiversity

The Alcea rosea 'Chater's Scarlet' attracts numerous beneficial insects. Its flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, contributing to a healthy and vibrant garden.

In addition, it is low-maintenance: give it a sunny spot, remove dead flowers, and it will reward you with a sea of ​​red blooms.

Summary

Conclusion

The Alcea rosea 'Chater's Scarlet' is a vigorous and elegant hollyhock whose deep red, double flowers make it a striking focal point in any garden. It combines height, color, and charm in a way that is both classic and timeless.

Whether you choose a romantic cottage garden, a natural flower border or an urban facade garden – this hollyhock is guaranteed to provide colour, life and a touch of English allure.