Alcea rosea Crème de Cassis — Black Cherry Hollyhock Seeds
Sultry, dramatic, and steeped in cottage-garden romance, Alcea rosea Crème de Cassis is a hollyhock unlike any other. Rising tall and proud like a floral cathedral spire, this heirloom selection is celebrated for its luxurious, near-black blooms in deep wine, black-cherry, and cassis tones—a color so rich it seems to drink in the sunlight. Against old fences, stone walls, and sunny borders, it creates a scene straight from a storybook garden.
The large, satiny flowers open sequentially up towering stems, often reaching 6–8 feet tall, offering weeks of bloom through summer. The flowers are not fragrant, but their velvety texture and dramatic depth of color more than compensate, drawing the eye from across the garden.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Hollyhocks have been cultivated for centuries and were a beloved staple of medieval monastery gardens and traditional European cottage landscapes. Often planted near homes and barns, they symbolized abundance, protection, and domestic harmony. Dark-flowered hollyhocks such as ‘Crème de Cassis’ were especially prized as rarities, admired for their intensity and elegance. Today, this variety carries forward that legacy as a bold statement plant that bridges old-world charm and modern drama.
Wildlife & Ecological Value
Alcea rosea is far more than ornamental. Its open, pollen-rich blooms are a magnet for bees, and they are frequently visited by butterflies and moths throughout the summer. Hollyhocks belong to the mallow family, and Painted Lady butterflies are known to use plants in this family, including hollyhocks, as larval host plants in suitable conditions. The foliage and flowers also provide shelter and forage for beneficial insects such as ladybugs, making this a valuable plant for pollinator-friendly gardens.
Growth Habit & Hardiness
This classic biennial or short-lived perennial is easy to grow and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations.
-
Bloom Color: Deep wine-red to near black (black cherry, cassis tones)
-
Bloom Season: Early to late summer
-
Fragrance: Not fragrant
-
USDA Hardiness Zones: Zones 3–9
-
Light: Full sun
-
Soil: Well-drained soil; adaptable and resilient
Once established, hollyhocks are drought-tolerant and self-sowing, often returning year after year in favorable conditions.
Interesting Facts
-
The dark pigmentation in ‘Crème de Cassis’ intensifies in full sun and cooler nights.
-
Hollyhocks were historically grown as living windbreaks around gardens and homesteads.
-
Their tall flower spikes make them ideal for the back of borders or against walls and fences.
Germination Instructions for Alcea rosea ‘Crème de Cassis’
Hollyhock seeds are easy to germinate and suitable for beginners.
Seed Preparation
-
No stratification required.
-
Optional: soak seeds in warm water for 6–12 hours to speed germination.
Sowing
-
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix.
-
Gently firm soil and water lightly.
Germination Conditions
-
Temperature: 60–70°F (16–21°C)
-
Light: Bright light; seeds do not require light to germinate
-
Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist but not wet
Germination Time
-
Seeds typically germinate in 10–14 days.
Seedling Care
-
Provide strong light to prevent legginess.
-
Transplant seedlings once they develop several true leaves.
-
Handle carefully, as hollyhocks form long taproots.
Outdoor Planting
-
Direct sow outdoors in spring or late summer.
-
Space plants 18–24 inches apart.
-
Many plants bloom the second year, though early sowing may yield first-year flowers.
With its towering form, intoxicatingly dark blooms, and deep historical roots, Alcea rosea Crème de Cassis is a statement plant—bold, romantic, and unforgettable—perfect for gardeners who crave drama with timeless soul.