How to Deadhead Hollyhocks
Tall hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) add a whimsical touch to a cottage garden. The plants produce stalks up to 8 feet tall, and each stalk is adorned with multiple cup-shaped flowers. Hollyhocks grow as biennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 10. The flowers don't require removal, or deadheading, to continue blooming, but pruning off the old flowers does improve the plant's appearance. Deadheading can also prevent hollyhocks from unwanted self-sowing so they don't spread to nearby garden beds.
Step 1
Pinch off any blossoms from the main stem that have begun to fade to improve the appearance of the plant. Leave the stalk in place so the remaining buds can open and flower fully. Check the hollyhocks every one to two days once the flower stalks are blooming and remove dead flowers.
- Tall hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) add a whimsical touch to a cottage garden.
- The flowers don't require removal, or deadheading, to continue blooming, but pruning off the old flowers does improve the plant's appearance.
Step 2
Cut off the entire flower stalk at the base after 70 percent or more of the flowers have finished blooming. Use sharp shears to remove the flower stalk.
Step 3
Dispose of the deadheaded stalks immediately. Stalks left in the garden bed may harbor disease organisms that can spread to the plant.
Step 4
Cut down the entire plant in fall after it dies back. Remove all parts of the plant from the area.
Tip
Hollyhocks can readily self seed so they return each year. If you want your plants to set seeds, leave a few flower stalks in place at the end of the season until after the seed pods have opened.
Warning
Hollyhocks are prone to fungal rust, which can be spread with dirty pruning shears. Rinse the shears in a solution of 1 part bleach and 9 parts water after every cut when you are deadheading or pruning.
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Writer Bio
Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.
