{"product_id":"hollyhock-nigra","title":"Hollyhock Nigra","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlcea rosea 'Nigra'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eBlack Hollyhock 'Nigra' \/ The Black Watchman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe legendary heritage Hollyhock — single saucer-shaped flowers in the deepest, almost-black maroon-purple imaginable, the colour of crushed blackcurrants or dark velvet, with a small contrasting yellow centre that catches the light. 'Nigra' is the dramatic Gothic cottage garden showpiece, rising to 2 metres against walls and fences, and one of the most photographed Hollyhocks in any heritage planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThere is genuinely nothing else in the cottage garden quite like 'Nigra'. The deep almost-black maroon flowers are open single saucers (rather than the heavy doubles of Chater's varieties), held in dense columns up the substantial 2-metre flowering stems. The colour is the closest to true black any flower achieves — far darker than 'Black' cornflower or 'Queen of Night' tulip — and the small yellow eye at the centre of each flower creates a beautifully precise focal point. A heritage variety with documented use in English gardens since the 1600s, 'Nigra' was a favourite of Thomas Jefferson and has been continuously cultivated for over 400 years. Hardy biennial (H5). RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised — the open single flower form is particularly valued by bumblebees, who can access the central nectar more easily than they can with doubles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eLike all Hollyhocks, 'Nigra' has a \u003cstrong\u003edeep taproot and resents disturbance\u003c\/strong\u003e. Sow indoors April–May in deep pots (root trainers or 9cm pots minimum) or direct outdoors June–July. Sow at 1cm depth; germination 14–21 days. Move plants to final position September\/October. Plant in full sun in rich well-drained soil — a position against a warm wall or fence is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStaking is essential\u003c\/strong\u003e in most positions: 'Nigra' can reach 2 metres (6ft+) and unless you have a very sheltered walled garden, you will need to stake the main stem to stop it snapping in summer storms. A simple bamboo cane and twine works well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e⚠️ \u003cstrong\u003eRust management\u003c\/strong\u003e: as with all Hollyhocks, watch for orange spots on leaves and remove affected foliage promptly. Water only at the base, never on the leaves. Cut down to ground level after flowering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e⚠️ \u003cstrong\u003eSkin irritation\u003c\/strong\u003e: rough bristly hair coats stems and leaves — wear gloves when handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAgainst warm walls and fences as a Gothic architectural focal point — 'Nigra' is at its most dramatic when seen against a pale stone wall, weathered fence or whitewashed surface that lets the near-black colour read most intensely. In heritage and historical garden schemes where the 400-year cultivation history justifies a place. As a designer cottage garden showpiece — even one or two plants create proper visual impact. In modern monochrome garden design, where the deep black-purple anchors more colourful companions. As cut flowers for dramatic arrangements (with toxicity caution).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor high-contrast Gothic drama, pair 'Nigra' with Cosmos 'Purity' — the pure white airy saucers of Cosmos provide a stark, sophisticated contrast to the heavy black columns of the Hollyhock, creating one of the most photographed combinations in modern cottage gardening. For a zesty lift, combine with Larkspur 'Limelight Mix' — the greenish-white spikes act as a highlight, making the dark maroon of the Hollyhock look richer and warmer by comparison. With Hollyhock 'Bishy Barnabee Mix' (matching height; full colour range) for a layered Hollyhock border.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56431660892484,"sku":"HLY-NIG","price":2.2,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/0692\/3076\/files\/2048800db7fb7eebd449cc9_upscale_584b74a8-9dfe-4404-a0ef-38bc0f4f881a.jpg?v=1771942752","url":"https:\/\/www.sturmergardencentre.co.uk\/products\/hollyhock-nigra","provider":"Sturmer Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}