How high’s the Holyhock mama? 6 feet high and rising……

 

• One distinguishing feature of Hollyhocks are the 5 inch saucer shaped flowers growing on stalks up to 8 feet tall.

• They are well known in Cottage garden designs as they provide height and focal points.

• Hollyhocks are known and often sold by their Latin names Alcea Rosea or Althaea

• Flowers are single in a range of colours from red almost black through pinks rose to white and yellow There is a pompom type double called Chater’s mixture

• Hollyhocks are best if sown from fresh seed in late summer. The plants may be treated as biennials though they are hard perennials that have a shortish life. If sown in spring they may not flower until the next season.

• Keep seeds and seedlings watered and encourage good root formation

• Don’t compost leaves as they may have rust. Keep plants tidy by cutting leaves and spent blooms with secateurs.

• Dead heading will help a second flush of flowers