Eastern Redbud vs Hollyhock

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Fabaceae · trees

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hollyhock

Alcea rosea

Malvaceae · flowers

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Eastern Redbud (Zones 4-9)

Hollyhock (Zones 3-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Eastern Redbud	Hollyhock
Scientific Name	Cercis canadensis	Alcea rosea
Family	Fabaceae	Malvaceae
Category	trees	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	30'	8'
Spread	30'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Early Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Purple	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	China, Turkey
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Eastern Redbud

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Hollyhock

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Eastern Redbud

✓Transplant when young — older trees have deep taproots.
✓Prune after flowering.
✓Tolerates clay soil.
✓Flowers are edible and can be added to salads.

Hollyhock

✓Plant against a wall or fence for wind protection.
✓Prone to rust — space for air circulation.
✓Self-seeds prolifically.
✓Biennial but self-sows to seem perennial.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Eastern Redbud if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–9.

Choose Hollyhock if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Eastern RedbudProfile →View HollyhockProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Eastern Redbud and Hollyhock grow in the same hardiness zone?

Eastern Redbud grows in USDA zones 4-9, while Hollyhock grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Eastern Redbud and Hollyhock have the same sun and water needs?

Eastern Redbud needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Hollyhock needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Eastern Redbud or Hollyhock?

Eastern Redbud grows taller at 30' compared to Hollyhock at 8'. Eastern Redbud spreads 30' while Hollyhock spreads 1' 6".

Are Eastern Redbud and Hollyhock deer resistant?

Yes, both Eastern Redbud and Hollyhock are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Eastern Redbud or Hollyhock?

Both Eastern Redbud and Hollyhock have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Eastern Redbud	Hollyhock
Scientific Name	Cercis canadensis	Alcea rosea
Family	Fabaceae	Malvaceae
Category	trees	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	30'	8'
Spread	30'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Early Spring	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Purple	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Eastern North America	China, Turkey
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Eastern Redbud

✓Transplant when young — older trees have deep taproots.
✓Prune after flowering.
✓Tolerates clay soil.
✓Flowers are edible and can be added to salads.

Hollyhock

✓Plant against a wall or fence for wind protection.
✓Prone to rust — space for air circulation.
✓Self-seeds prolifically.
✓Biennial but self-sows to seem perennial.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Eastern Redbud if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 4–9.

Choose Hollyhock if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Eastern Redbud and Hollyhock grow in the same hardiness zone?

Eastern Redbud grows in USDA zones 4-9, while Hollyhock grows in zones 3-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Eastern Redbud and Hollyhock have the same sun and water needs?

Eastern Redbud needs full sun to part shade and medium water, while Hollyhock needs full sun and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Eastern Redbud or Hollyhock?

Eastern Redbud grows taller at 30' compared to Hollyhock at 8'. Eastern Redbud spreads 30' while Hollyhock spreads 1' 6".

Are Eastern Redbud and Hollyhock deer resistant?

Yes, both Eastern Redbud and Hollyhock are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Eastern Redbud or Hollyhock?

Both Eastern Redbud and Hollyhock have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.