Hollyhock – Tall Wild

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Tall Wild Hollyhock (Sidalcea campestris), also known as Meadow Checkerbloom or Meadow Sidalcea, is a native perennial wildflower found naturally in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. It produces tall, upright flowering stems topped with numerous delicate white to pale-pink flowers. Plants can grow about 3–6 feet tall, depending on growing conditions.

Tall Wild Hollyhock grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is adaptable to clay and loamy soils and can grow in sites ranging from moderately dry to seasonally moist.

This native wildflower is well suited to meadows, prairies, grassy slopes, roadsides, woodland edges, restoration projects, and naturalized landscapes. Its tall flowering stems make it especially useful for adding height and structure to native wildflower plantings.

The flowers attract bumble bees, native bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.

Tall Wild Hollyhock is a perennial that can return for many years once established. Plants develop a substantial root system before producing their full flowering display and can become quite large when growing conditions are favorable.

Native Range

Willamette Valley of Oregon.

Tall Wild Hollyhock is native to the Willamette Valley, where it occurs in meadows, prairies, grassy slopes, roadsides, and other open habitats. It has been recorded outside its native range, including Washington, but those occurrences are generally considered introduced or escaped from cultivation.

Pacific Northwest Planting

Fall is the preferred planting season for direct seeding Tall Wild Hollyhock in the Pacific Northwest.

Prepare a firm, weed-free seed bed and broadcast the seed over the prepared soil. Press the seed firmly into good soil contact and avoid planting it too deeply.

Fall sowing allows the seed to germinate naturally during the late winter or early spring as moisture and temperatures become favorable.

Fall Planting

Fall planting is an excellent choice for Tall Wild Hollyhock.

Sow after temperatures have cooled and fall moisture is available. Broadcast the seed evenly over the prepared planting area and press it into the soil surface.

Keep competing weeds and aggressive grasses under control while plants are becoming established.

Spring Planting

Tall Wild Hollyhock can also be planted in spring.

Prepare a firm, weed-free seed bed and sow the seed shallowly, no deeper than about 1/4 inch. Good seed-to-soil contact is important for establishment.

Spring planting can be successful, although fall seeding provides a natural growing cycle and is generally preferred for direct seeding.

Planting in Other Regions

Tall Wild Hollyhock is best suited to regions with a moderate growing season and adequate winter or spring moisture.

It can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including clay, but performs best where excess water drains readily. In dry areas, providing adequate moisture during establishment can help plants develop a strong root system.

Establishment & Growth

Tall Wild Hollyhock establishes as a perennial from seed and develops slowly while forming its root system.

Seed may benefit from light scarification to improve germination. Sow no deeper than about 1/4 inch and maintain good soil contact.

Plants generally flower from late spring through summer, with blooming commonly occurring from May through August depending on location and growing conditions.

Once established, plants can remain productive for many years.

Choosing the Right Site

Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Tall Wild Hollyhock is particularly well suited to:

• Native meadows
• Willamette Valley prairie plantings
• Grassy slopes
• Restoration projects
• Roadsides
• Woodland edges
• Naturalized landscapes
• Native wildflower gardens
• Pollinator plantings
• Mixed perennial plantings

Its tall growth habit makes it especially useful toward the back or middle of a mixed wildflower planting.

Pollinator & Wildlife Value

Tall Wild Hollyhock provides nectar and pollen for bumble bees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Its numerous flowers and extended summer bloom period make it a valuable component of diverse native pollinator plantings.

Larger Quantities

For quantities larger than those currently listed for sale, please contact us for availability and pricing.

Seeding Rates

The broadcast rate for seeding is 8–10 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 4 pounds per acre.