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Alcea ficifolia 'Happy Lights'

Also Known As

  • Happy Lights Fig Hollyhock

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 5'-7'
  • W: 1'-3'

planting zones

  • 3a-10b

Alcea ficifolia 'Happy Lights' plant details

Alcea ficifolia 'Happy Lights' is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer bronze, pink, purple, red, white and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Alcea ficifolia 'Happy Lights'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: malvaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 5 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: bronze, pink, purple, red, white and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, easy-to-grow, floriferous, long-blooming, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Alcea ficifolia 'Happy Lights'

USDA Zones: 3a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The original species, called Antwerp Hollyhock, was yellow. I offer here a natural hybrid between this species and A. rosea. Yellow, copper, rose, red, burgundy-purple and white single saucer-shaped flowers bloom along the tall stems. A biennial to short-lived perennial, it persists for years and is also much less susceptible to rust than other species. The epitome of an old-fashioned flower, it looks best in informal settings, grown against old outbuildings and fences in masses. Listed in a book of 1833. Summer bloom.

Gardening facts about Alcea ficifolia 'Happy Lights' plant

How to Grow Alcea ficifolia 'Happy Lights'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
    • red
    • bronze
    • yellow
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Alcea for your garden

aka Althaea chinensis, Althaea ficifolia, Althaea rosea, Common Hollyhock

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-8'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
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Zones

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Size

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Width: 1'-2'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
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Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

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Size

Height: 5'-6'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun
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Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

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Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
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aka Fig Leaved Hollyhock

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

2a-10b

Size

Height: 5'-10'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • regular - occasional
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