Hollyhock vs Marigold

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

Hollyhock

Alcea rosea

Malvaceae · flowers

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Marigold

Tagetes spp.

Asteraceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Hollyhock (Zones 3-8)

Marigold (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hollyhock	Marigold
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Tagetes spp.
Family	Malvaceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	8'	2'
Spread	1' 6"	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Yellow, Orange, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	China, Turkey	Americas
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Hollyhock

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Marigold

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — 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.

Marigold

✓Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom.
✓Roots exude substances that repel nematodes — excellent companion plant for vegetables.
✓Direct sow or transplant.

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 Marigold if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View HollyhockProfile →View MarigoldProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hollyhock and Marigold grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Hollyhock or Marigold?

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

Are Hollyhock and Marigold deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Marigold?

Both Hollyhock and Marigold 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	Marigold
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Tagetes spp.
Family	Malvaceae	Asteraceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	8'	2'
Spread	1' 6"	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Yellow, Orange, Red
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	China, Turkey	Americas
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.

Marigold

✓Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom.
✓Roots exude substances that repel nematodes — excellent companion plant for vegetables.
✓Direct sow or transplant.

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 Marigold if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 3–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hollyhock and Marigold grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Hollyhock or Marigold?

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

Are Hollyhock and Marigold deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Marigold?

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