CHATER'S YELLOW Sept 2012
At last, at long last, the hollyhock 'Chater's Yellow' has managed to not only develop buds but open them. I thought it would never happen as, I believe, the flowers should have been in full bloom two months ago. But how worth the wait. Despite the rain continually falling on them, they are perfect, in my eyes anyway. There are still many buds further up the stem and only time will tell as to whether or not they will open.
It's not bad, is it, when you think I have grown this sun loving plant in a 10 inch pot (filled with good, well-draining, compost) and the summer has been wet, colder than usual, and very windy. You should try growing one if you haven't already. This was a first for me but I know that I shall have to grow one again.
I always, for some reason, assumed it was an annual but various websites describe Chater's Yellow, a double hollyhock, as a short-lived perennial. I understand that, after flowering, they should be cut down to 6 inches above ground level. I think I will have to transplant mine into the garden border because, if I leave it in the pot, I think the freezing winter which is bound to come will freeze it to death in its plastic pot.
Mine has grown to 6ft tall, which is normal, and has been secured to a cane which has been, in turn, tied to the shed.
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| Alcea Rosea Hollyhock 'Chater's Yellow' |
I always, for some reason, assumed it was an annual but various websites describe Chater's Yellow, a double hollyhock, as a short-lived perennial. I understand that, after flowering, they should be cut down to 6 inches above ground level. I think I will have to transplant mine into the garden border because, if I leave it in the pot, I think the freezing winter which is bound to come will freeze it to death in its plastic pot.
Mine has grown to 6ft tall, which is normal, and has been secured to a cane which has been, in turn, tied to the shed.