How should hollyhocks be handled before winter?

Before winter, hollyhocks need part of the dead branches removed; cut off the withered parts and the dead stalks, leaving the roots at ground level. At this time, watering should be reduced or stopped to keep the soil dry. When the temperature drops too quickly, coverings such as straw and plastic film should be used to cover the ground around the hollyhock roots, achieving a warming effect.

How to handle hollyhocks before winter

1. Remove dead branches

Before winter arrives, some of the hollyhock's branches and stems will dry out or even wither. This is normal. Because the temperature is too low, this phenomenon will gradually spread to the above-ground part of the entire hollyhock, and the stalks will wither and die. There is no need to leave them attached to the main root. At this time, scissors or a knife should be used to cut them off from the part near the ground and the roots.

2. Reduce watering

Hollyhocks enter a semi-dormant state in winter. Since the above-ground parts have withered and been cut off, they no longer need a water supply, so both the amount and frequency of regular watering should be reduced as winter approaches. Too much water will cause accumulation or freezing, harming the roots that are still alive. Once winter officially begins, watering should be stopped, and wait for the roots to send out new shoots after the temperature rises again.

3. Wrap the roots

Hollyhocks generally do not need to be covered. They can safely get through temperatures between minus 5°C and minus 10°C, but when the temperature drops too much, to prevent the hollyhocks from freezing to death due to low temperatures, straw should be used to cover the ground around the roots where the dead stems were removed, keeping the roots warm. Plastic film can also achieve the same effect.