Heavenly Hollyhocks
May 7, 2009 by Sandy Mitchell
Filed under Gardening
Hollyhocks, like peonies and lilacs, recall a time when our grandmother’s were young. These classic flowering stalks live for decades and evoke an age when gardens were filled with local, indiginous plants, not the latest, imported tropical wonder. For this reason, for the memories of my own grandmother’s garden, and for their colorful flowers, Hollyhocks are a must in my garden. Here are a few facts about this elegant plant:
* There are about 60 species of Hollyhocks.
* Hollyhocks are native to southwest and central Asia, but have been successfully introduced into the Midwest United States.
* These plants can grow to be over six feet tall.
* The Hollyhock is a bi-annual, meaning that it has a two-year growing cycle and then dies.
* Hollyhock flowers are pink, purple, red, yellow, and white
* Plant Hollyhocks in full sun.
* Hollyhocks are very drought-resistant.
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