Hollyhock is a group of tall, hardy plants grown for their large spires of colorful flowers. Hollyhocks are native to Asia, but some kinds are grown widely in the United States. Hollyhocks’ large, fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves start as low rosettes. Tall, heavy stems rise to bear the flower spires. Hollyhocks bloom from July to early September. They are used as background borders or along fences. The flowers are round and open wide. Their colors range from white, through yellow, salmon, and red, to purple.
Most hollyhocks are perennials that usually bloom the second year. They can be started outdoors. But some gardeners start hollyhocks in a frame in July and then transplant them to their garden the following spring. Annual hollyhocks bloom the same year that the seeds are planted.
Hollyhocks thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight. When the flowers fade, the plant stalks lose their attractiveness, and can be cut down. A few stalks can be left standing if seed is desired. A fungal disease called rust sometimes attacks hollyhocks.
