Companion planting is a strategic approach to gardening that leverages the natural affinities between plants to create a healthier, more productive, and more beautiful ecosystem. When considering companions for the stately hollyhock (*Alcea rosea*), we must understand its own needs and characteristics to select plant partners that offer mutual benefits.
Hollyhocks are tall, biennial or short-lived perennial plants that crave full sun and well-draining soil. Their primary vulnerability is a fungal disease known as hollyhock rust (*Puccinia malvacearum*), which manifests as orange-brown pustules on the undersides of leaves. They are also susceptible to Japanese beetles and other leaf-eating pests. Therefore, ideal companion plants will help improve air circulation, deter pests, and distract or trap harmful insects, all while sharing similar cultural requirements for sun and water.
Several plants can act as bodyguards for hollyhocks. Aromatic herbs are excellent choices. Lavender and rosemary emit strong scents that confuse and repel common pests like Japanese beetles. Planting garlic or chives at the base of hollyhocks can help deter aphids and other sucking insects with their pungent aroma. Furthermore, nasturtiums serve a dual purpose: their pungent scent acts as a repellent for certain bugs, and they also function as a "trap crop," attracting aphids away from your prized hollyhocks.
The towering spires of hollyhocks can provide valuable shade and physical support for lower-growing, shade-tolerant plants. Planting shade-loving companions like hostas or ferns at their base helps to cover the sometimes-bare lower stems of hollyhocks, creating a lush, layered look. This ground cover layer also helps to keep the soil cool and moist, benefiting the hollyhock's root system. For a classic cottage garden effect, combine hollyhocks with clumping perennials like shasta daisies, coneflowers, or foxgloves, which fill the mid-level and create a vibrant tapestry of texture and form.
Integrating plants that attract beneficial insects is crucial for a balanced garden. Pollinators like bees and butterflies are drawn to hollyhock blooms. You can enhance this effect by planting other pollinator favorites nearby, such as bee balm, salvia, and catmint. These beneficial insects will help pollinate your garden and also prey on pest species like aphids. Legumes like bush beans or sweet peas can be interplanted to fix nitrogen in the soil, providing a gentle nutrient boost for the heavy-feeding hollyhocks.
