Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Observe if the plant is leaning toward a specific direction.
- Check if the stems are thin and weak or just tall.
- See if the plant is being shaded by nearby shrubs or trees.
Likely causes
Low Light
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are thin, pale, and stretched out with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the light.
What to do: Move the plant to a location with full sun. If it is already planted, prune back surrounding plants that might be shading it.
Lack of Support
PossibleHow to tell: The tall flower stalks are bending or falling over despite having healthy leaves. The plant looks top heavy.
What to do: Stake the tall stalks early in the season using bamboo or metal stakes. Tie the stems loosely to the stakes with garden twine.
Find out what's wrong with your hollyhock
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
If the stems are so weak they snap under their own weight, the plant is not getting enough light. Tall, sturdy stalks are normal for this species.
Stopping it coming back
Plant in full sun and provide stakes early before the flower stalks get too heavy. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which causes rapid, weak growth.
Hollyhock: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your hollyhock and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- How tall do hollyhocks usually get?
- Depending on the variety, they can reach 5 to 8 feet. They are naturally tall plants that benefit from support.
- Can I prune a leggy hollyhock?
- You can trim back the top of the stalk after flowering to tidy it up. Do not cut it back too early or you will lose the blooms.
More problems with Hollyhock
- Why are there spots on my hollyhock leaves?
- Why is my hollyhock not flowering?
- Why are my hollyhock leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my hollyhock leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my hollyhock drooping?
- Why are my hollyhock leaves falling off?
- What is eating my hollyhock leaves?
- Why is my hollyhock wilting despite wet soil?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.