Hollyhock vs Sweet Pea

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

Hollyhock

Alcea rosea

Malvaceae · flowers

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Sweet Pea

Lathyrus odoratus

Fabaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Hollyhock (Zones 3-8)

Sweet Pea (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 3–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hollyhock	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Malvaceae	Fabaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	8'	6'
Spread	1' 6"	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	China, Turkey	Italy, Sicily
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Hollyhock

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sweet Pea

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.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

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 Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, 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 Sweet PeaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hollyhock and Sweet Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Hollyhock and Sweet Pea have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Hollyhock or Sweet Pea?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Sweet Pea at 6'. Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Sweet Pea spreads 1'.

Are Hollyhock and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Sweet Pea?

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

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hollyhock	Sweet Pea
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Lathyrus odoratus
Family	Malvaceae	Fabaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	8'	6'
Spread	1' 6"	1'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	China, Turkey	Italy, Sicily
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.

Sweet Pea

✓Soak seeds overnight before planting.
✓Provide trellis or netting.
✓Pick flowers frequently to prolong bloom.
✓Needs cool weather — plant early spring or fall in warm areas.

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 Sweet Pea if you don't mind medium maintenance, 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 Sweet Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

Do Hollyhock and Sweet Pea have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Hollyhock or Sweet Pea?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Sweet Pea at 6'. Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Sweet Pea spreads 1'.

Are Hollyhock and Sweet Pea deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Sweet Pea?

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