Alcea rosea 'Chater's Violet' – Hollyhock with deep violet, double flowers

Alcea rosea 'Chater's Violet', also known as hollyhock 'Chater's Violet', is an impressive biennial with large, double flowers in an intense violet-purple. This hollyhock from the classic 'Chater's' series combines height, elegance, and rich color that immediately stands out in any garden.

The deep violet flowers almost resemble small roses and give borders, front gardens, and cottage gardens an enchanting, romantic touch. The blooms are long and profuse – perfect for brightening up the summer months with color and life.

Classic charm with a modern look

The hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a plant steeped in history: it has graced European gardens since the Middle Ages. In the 19th century, the English nurseryman William Chater created a series of unusual cultivars with large, double-flowered flowers in various shades.

The 'Chater's Violet' variety is distinguished by its deep, almost velvety purple color—a shade that looks both powerful and elegant. From June to September, the flowers appear in clusters along sturdy stems, reaching heights of up to 150 to 200 cm.

The blooms begin at the bottom of the stem and gradually work their way up, resulting in a blooming plant that lasts for weeks. They also attract numerous bees, bumblebees, and butterflies – a valuable addition to a bee-friendly or natural garden.

Location and care

The Alcea rosea 'Chater's Violet' loves sun and shelter. It thrives in a sunny, well-drained spot, preferably against a wall, fence, or gate. This provides a firm base and shelter from strong winds.

Growing and care tips:

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

• Plant out: as soon as the young plants are strong enough.

• 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 a biennial plant: in the first year, it forms a rosette of leaves, and in the second year, it blooms profusely. By allowing a few flowers to self-seed, it will return naturally every year.

To prevent rust (Puccinia malvacearum) – a fungus that sometimes occurs on hollyhocks – it is wise to space the plants out, remove affected leaves and do not water from above.

Perfect for cottage gardens and facade gardens

The deep purple hue of 'Chater's Violet' adds a sense of luxury and depth to borders. It combines beautifully with soft pastel colors and white or blue flowers.

Beautiful combinations are for example:

• Delphinium (larkspur) – for height and color contrast.

• Digitalis purpurea (foxglove) – for natural harmony.

• Echinacea purpurea (coneflower) – for vibrant summer colours.

• Campanula (bellflower) or Gypsophila (baby's breath) – for an airy effect.

This hollyhock looks stunning along walls, fences, or facades. It can even thrive in narrow city gardens or green facades, as long as it gets enough sun and the soil isn't too wet.

Bee-friendly and low-maintenance

The Alcea rosea 'Chater's Violet' is not only a feast for the eyes but also a magnet for bees and butterflies. Its large, semi-open flowers produce abundant nectar, contributing to the biodiversity of your garden.

In terms of care, it is low-maintenance: remove dead flowers to prolong flowering, water during dry periods, and allow some seeds to ripen for regrowth the following year.

Summary

Conclusion

Alcea rosea 'Chater's Violet' is a stylish and striking hollyhock with deep violet, double flowers that bring months of color and life to the garden. Its classic charm, height, and rich color make it indispensable for cottage gardens, country borders, and city gardens.

With minimal care and maximum ornamental value, this hollyhock is a real summer star – a plant that makes a statement in the garden every year.