Hollyhocks produce classic towering spires covered with disc-shaped blossoms for extended bloom from June to October. ‘Purple Rain’ is a first-year-flowering cultivar and is truly perennial, not biennial like most Alceas on the market. Cut plants back to 12" after flowering has finished to encourage root growth.
Plant 12" apart in moist well-drained soil. Native to China. Z3. (2½" plug stock)
Helena Rutherford Ely says in her 1903 book A Woman’s Hardy Garden, “No one can have too many hollyhocks. Plant them at the back of the border, among shrubbery, along fences, and in good clumps in any odd corner, or around buildings; they are never amiss, and always beautiful.” Z3.
When you receive your order, open the bags and check the stock immediately. Roots and crowns should be firm and pliable. Surface mold is harmless and will not affect the plant’s future performance. Store plants in their packaging in a cool (35–40°) location until you are ready to plant. If it’s going to be awhile, you can pot up your perennials.
Do not plant bare-root perennial plant crowns directly outdoors before danger of frost has passed. Wet and/or cold conditions for an extended period may cause rotting.
For more info:
About planting bare-root perennials.