Hollyhock vs Kale

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

Hollyhock

Alcea rosea

Malvaceae · flowers

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Brassicaceae · vegetables

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Hollyhock (Zones 3-8)

Kale (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hollyhock	Kale
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Malvaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	8'	2'
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	China, Turkey	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Hollyhock

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Kale

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

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.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View HollyhockProfile →View KaleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hollyhock and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Hollyhock grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Hollyhock and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Hollyhock or Kale?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Kale at 2'. Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Hollyhock and Kale deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Kale?

Both Hollyhock and Kale 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	Hollyhock	Kale
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Malvaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	8'	2'
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	China, Turkey	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

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.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hollyhock and Kale grow in the same hardiness zone?

Hollyhock grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Kale grows in zones 2-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Hollyhock and Kale have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Hollyhock or Kale?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Kale at 2'. Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Hollyhock and Kale deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Kale?

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