Hollyhock vs Sedum (Stonecrop)

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

Hollyhock

Alcea rosea

Malvaceae · flowers

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum spp.

Crassulaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Hollyhock (Zones 3-8)

Sedum (Stonecrop) (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hollyhock	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Sedum spp.
Family	Malvaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	8'	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	China, Turkey	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Hollyhock

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Yes — 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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

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

View HollyhockProfile →View Sedum (Stonecrop)Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hollyhock and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Hollyhock grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Hollyhock and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Hollyhock needs full sun and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Hollyhock or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Hollyhock and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Hollyhock and Sedum (Stonecrop) 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	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Sedum spp.
Family	Malvaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	8'	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	China, Turkey	Northern Hemisphere
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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Hollyhock grows in USDA zones 3-8, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 3 through 8.

Do Hollyhock and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Hollyhock needs full sun and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Hollyhock or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Hollyhock and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

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