Hollyhocks are the perfect flower to grow in a cottage garden. They are a popular ornamental flower, grown for their profusion of bright flowers. They are a drought resistant species, but do often suffer from rust.
Did you know..... There are over 60 species of hollyhocks! The Common Hollyhock (Alcea rosa) was first introduced into Europe from China in the sixteenth century.
Step by step guide to growing your own Hollyhocks
How to prepare your site for planting hollyhocks
Hollyhocks like to be grown in well drained, light soil, in full sun. As they are tall plants, hollyhocks are best planted against a wall or fence. Dig over the ground thorougly. Hollyhocks can be grown from seed or from a cultivated root stock.
When to plant hollyhock seeds
Hollyhock seeds are best planted outdoors between September and February, for flowering the next summer, or can be sown in the spring prior to a summer flowering.
How to plant hollyhock seeds
Hollyhock seeds are best sown directly into the ground in their flowering position. Sow seeds thinly in rows 60cm (2 ft) apart. Cover seeds lightly with a layer of fine soil. Firm the top soil gently and keep moist, especially if planted in the spring.
How to plant hollyhocks from a cultivated root stock
Root stocks are best planted directly into the ground in a full sun flowering position during January to May. Plant the root stock at a depth of 10cm, leaving 60cm between each plant. Cultivated hollyhock root stocks can be purchased from reputable garden centres.
Routine care of Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks are prone to rust, especially if they are planted in a very rich soil. Because of this, hollyhocks are relatively short lived plants. Replacement plants can be used during the summer months, but plants which have the dreaded rust disease, must be burnt. Do not throw them into your compost bin. Hollyhocks offer their profusion of brightly coloured flowers from July through to September.
Recommended varieties of Poppies
Alcea rosea 'Nigra' : A beautiful 2m tall hollyhock, that offers deep chocolatey-maroon flowers during August and September
Antwerp hollyhock : Standing up to 9ft tall, these majestic yellow flowering hollyhock plants are a stunning addition to any garden.
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Growing Hollyhocks... (Alcea) 
