Hollyhock ‘Chater’s Double Icicle

Alcea rosea

Althaea rosea

Hardy Perennial

A classic cottage Hollyhock

Spectacular, large, crystal white, fully double, powder-puff blooms

A classic cottage Hollyhock. Spectacular, large, crystal white, fully double, powder-puff blooms grace tall strong stems from mid summer until autumn. Adds height and a touch of style to the back of perennial or cottage garden borders. Especially effective when planted in groups. Height 1.5-1.8m (5-6ft).

Culinary note: try crystallising the flowers for a tasty cake decoration, or use them to make a delicately flavoured syrup to use with puddings. For more details about edible flowers

Sow seeds onto the surface of a good, free-draining, damp, seed compost. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag at a temperature of 15-20C (59-68F) until after germination which usually takes 14-21 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.Alternatively, sow in late summer in a cool greenhouse and then overwinter plants in cool, well lit conditions. Plant out the following spring. This method produces larger plants and is recommended if the soil is heavy or badly drained.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost 45cm (18in) apart