An Old-Fashioned Favorite; The Hollyhock
Hollyhock is a popular, "old fashioned" plant that is well suited for planting at the back of large perennial beds. They are described as biennials, taking two years to reach full maturity & flowering. When fully developed hollyhocks can exced 6 feet in height and planted in massive clumps can make an impressive statement.
Because they seed themselves these delightful mid-summer flowers can be particularly nice combined with other old fashioned plants like peonies and shasta daisies giving the landscaping an english country garden or cottage garden feel. While a low-maintenance combination some work is required; dead-heading and trimming back old growth as the seasons carry on, but it's well worth the effort.
Horticultural information;
(reference;"The Gardeners' Encyclopedia Of Plants & Flowers" Doring Kindersly Publishers Limited, London, ISBN 0-888-50-169-2)
Of the genus; Alcea, and the family Malvaceae, the common name is Hollyhock. Fully hardy, sturdy plants that stand well in most weather conditions because of it's thick strong stalk as well as substantial root system. Plants need full sun and well drained soil.
Usually gardeners can pick up one year old plants from local plant nurseries in the perennial section. Keep in mind it's best to help the plant scatter it's seeds as they ripen in late summer to ensure a full bed of flowing plants the following year. If you have too many, save them for the birds or share them with neighbors friends and family.
If you're allergic to bee stings, as I am, I recommend making a truce with the buzzing beauties in your own garden as hollyhocks are sure to attract many varieties of bees. I don't recommend planting hollyhocks anywhere near mailboxes or areas were there is a good chance someone, less aware of the risk, could be stung.
Also attracted by the large and colourful flowers and the bundles of seeds formed where the flowers grew; hummingbirds, goldfinches and cardinals often frequent our hollyhock bed!
Hope you enjoyed your stay, come again whenever the mood strikes you! (Nice thing about the internet - the pics from the garden are viewable rain or shine, night or day!)
This site is a fun way to refresh my memory on html programming and graphic design, and learn new programming skills.
I hope you've enjoyed todays bloom and that you'll be tempted to return soon! Cheryl ;)