Hollyhock vs Lupine

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

Hollyhock

Alcea rosea

Malvaceae · flowers

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus

Fabaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Hollyhock (Zones 3-8)

Lupine (Zones 4-7)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–7

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hollyhock	Lupine
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Lupinus polyphyllus
Family	Malvaceae	Fabaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Slightly Acidic
Height	8'	4'
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Late Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Blue, Purple, Pink, Yellow
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	China, Turkey	North America
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Hollyhock

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Lupine

No — 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.

Lupine

✓Don't transplant — deep taproot.
✓Direct sow or plant young.
✓Nick seed coat before planting.
✓Nitrogen-fixing — don't fertilize.
✓Cool summers preferred.

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 Lupine if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 4–7.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–7. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View HollyhockProfile →View LupineProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hollyhock and Lupine grow in the same hardiness zone?

Hollyhock grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Lupine grows in zones 4-7. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 7.

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

Hollyhock needs full sun and medium water, while Lupine needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Hollyhock or Lupine?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Lupine at 4'. Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Lupine spreads 2'.

Are Hollyhock and Lupine deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Lupine?

Hollyhock has low maintenance while Lupine has medium maintenance. Hollyhock may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hollyhock	Lupine
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Lupinus polyphyllus
Family	Malvaceae	Fabaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Slightly Acidic
Height	8'	4'
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Late Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Blue, Purple, Pink, Yellow
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	China, Turkey	North America
Maintenance	Low	Medium

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.

Lupine

✓Don't transplant — deep taproot.
✓Direct sow or plant young.
✓Nick seed coat before planting.
✓Nitrogen-fixing — don't fertilize.
✓Cool summers preferred.

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 Lupine if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 4–7.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–7. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hollyhock and Lupine grow in the same hardiness zone?

Hollyhock grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Lupine grows in zones 4-7. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 7.

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

Hollyhock needs full sun and medium water, while Lupine needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Hollyhock or Lupine?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Lupine at 4'. Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Lupine spreads 2'.

Are Hollyhock and Lupine deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Lupine?

Hollyhock has low maintenance while Lupine has medium maintenance. Hollyhock may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.