Alcea rosea 'Nigra' – Elegant black hollyhock

Alcea rosea 'Nigra' is a striking, profusely flowering hollyhock with deep, dark purple to almost black flowers. Its dramatic color adds a unique, elegant touch to any garden and makes it a real eye-catcher in borders, flowerbeds, and cutting gardens. This classic garden plant, with the addition of Alcea rosea Nigra, combines height, elegance, and long-lasting blooms, making it a must-have for any garden enthusiast. Alcea rosea Nigra is perfect for creating a dramatic effect in your garden.

Deep dark flowering splendor

The flowers of 'Nigra' are large, single or semi-double, and grow in dense clusters along the sturdy stems. The almost black color contrasts beautifully with lighter flowers like white, pink, or yellow, creating a dramatic accent in the garden. Because of its striking flowers, this hollyhock is also perfect for romantic, cottage, or modern borders.

The Alcea rosea Nigra is also very suitable for creating height in your garden design.

🌿 Growth and care

The Alcea rosea 'Nigra' grows vigorously and can reach a height of 180–200 cm, making it ideal for the background of borders or along walls and fences. For optimal flowering and health, choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil.

It is important to know that Alcea rosea Nigra thrives in sunny conditions.

Regular fertilization and removing faded flowers encourages long-lasting, profuse blooms. Although 'Nigra' is less susceptible to rust than traditional hollyhocks, adequate air circulation and nutrition are important to keep the plant healthy. In windy locations, light support may be necessary to prevent it from falling over.

Make sure Alcea rosea Nigra has enough space to grow and bloom.

Cultivation information

• Location: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich

• Height: 180–200 cm

• Flowering period: June – September

• Lifespan: Biennial to short-lived perennial

• Care: Water during dry periods, fertilize, remove wilted flowers

• Use: Borders, flowerbeds, picking gardens, back border

Bee and butterfly friendly

The flowers of 'Nigra' are attractive to bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, making it not only a visual highlight but also contributing to a healthy and biodiverse garden.

🌼 Combination options

Its deep, dark color makes Alcea rosea 'Nigra' a beautiful contrast with lighter hollyhocks like Chater's White, Rose Pink, or Apricot. It can also be combined with perennials like lavender (Lavandula), sage (Salvia), or low annuals for a balanced and vibrant border.

Combining Alcea rosea Nigra with other plants can create a stunning effect.

Key Features

• Deep dark purple to almost black flowers

• Long flowering: June – September

• Sturdy, tall stems up to 2 meters

• Ideal for borders, picking gardens and flowerbeds

• Better resistance to rust disease with proper care

• Bee and butterfly friendly

• Dramatic, elegant eye-catcher in the garden

In short: The Alcea rosea 'Nigra' adds a unique, elegant, and dramatic accent to your garden. Perfect for gardeners who want to create a romantic and striking border with long-lasting blooms and ecological value.

So, if you're looking for a striking plant, definitely consider Alcea rosea Nigra.