Fiesta Time Hollyhock
Fiesta Time Hollyhock
A Dwarf, Frilly Double Hollyhock in Vibrant Cerise
Fiesta Time Hollyhock (Alcea rosea 'Fiesta Time') is a party in a plant, packing fully double, pom-pom blooms of vivid cerise-pink trimmed with frilly white edges onto a compact, dwarf frame. It flowers in its first season and stays short and self-supporting, bringing playful cottage-garden color to small beds, borders, and large containers. A favorite of hummingbirds and bees, it's a cheerful choice for sunny Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Eagan gardens.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Alcea rosea 'Fiesta Time' |
| Mature Size | 2–3 ft tall, 1–2 ft wide (dwarf) |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3–8 (fully hardy across Minnesota) |
| Light | Full sun |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Flower Color | Double cerise-pink with frilly white edges |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-drained |
Landscape Uses
Use Fiesta Time in cottage gardens, sunny borders, large containers, and pollinator and hummingbird gardens. Its dwarf, sturdy habit makes it ideal where standard hollyhocks would be too tall, and it often reseeds to return.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring for blooms the same season. Hollyhocks prefer a sunny, sheltered spot out of strong wind.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill with compost-enriched soil, water thoroughly, and mulch 2–3 inches deep.
Watering
First Year: Water deeply 2–3 times per week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Water regularly during dry spells; hollyhocks prefer steady moisture.
Drip Irrigation: A drip line keeps the root zone moist while keeping foliage dry, which helps reduce rust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does Fiesta Time get?
It's a dwarf at 2–3 feet, much shorter than traditional hollyhocks, and blooms its first year.
Does it need staking?
Usually not; its compact height makes it sturdy and self-supporting.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, hardy to Zone 3; it's a short-lived perennial that often reseeds to persist.
Does it attract pollinators?
Yes, hummingbirds and bees love the blooms.
You May Also Like
Pair Fiesta Time with our Spring Celebrities hollyhocks and other cottage-garden perennials for a colorful sunny border.
How Many Fiesta Time Hollyhock Do I Need?
Fiesta Time is a dwarf, cottage-garden accent rather than a hedging plant. Set plants 18–24 in. apart and plant in groups of 3–5 for the fullest splash of color in a sunny bed or large container.
Fiesta Time Hollyhock Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Low rosettes of foliage push up and grow quickly toward bloom in their first season.
- Summer: Fully double, pom-pom blooms of vivid cerise-pink trimmed in frilly white draw hummingbirds and bees.
- Fall: Late flowers finish the show and set seed, often reseeding to return next year.
- Winter: The short-lived perennial dies back; self-sown seedlings keep the planting going.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly
Plant It With
- Sombrero Granada Gold Coneflower — a sturdy sun-lover that picks up the warm cottage palette.
- Delphina Dark Blue Delphinium — cool-blue spires that contrast the hot cerise blooms.
- Blue Fortune Hyssop — airy lavender-blue wands that keep the pollinators coming.
- Cobalt Millenium Allium — purple drumstick blooms for a playful cottage mix.
Is Fiesta Time Hollyhock Right for Your Yard?
Fiesta Time wants full sun, rich moist soil, and a spot sheltered from strong wind, where its dwarf habit stays self-supporting. Not a fit in windy, exposed sites or deep shade; keep foliage dry and uncrowded to limit hollyhock rust.