‘Mars Magic’ Single Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a pollinator favorite, classic perennial that lights up the garden with single scarlet blossoms 4 inches across. Its red saucer-like flowers open from the bottom of the stalk upwards. Exceptionally bright, the flowers are plentiful, and each plant grows several stalks 5-6 feet tall. They don’t need staking, and look beautiful at the back of a bed or along a wall or fence where they can add a romantic backdrop to other flowers. Plant ‘Mars Magic’ in average to compost-enriched soil with good drainage in a sunny location. Provide average watering, they are drought tolerant once established. Deer and rabbit resistant, they are a perfect choice for care-free high color. Cut them back when flowering has finished or leave the seed pods for winter interest and the birds. Hardy in zones 3-9, they won’t tolerate wet feet in winter.
