The Hollyhock Is A Stunning Flower In A Landscape

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The Hollyhock can create a stunning look in a landscape or garden setting. This flower specie is a member of the Mallow Family, and also called, Alcea rosea or Althaea. These species can range in size from two to nine feet tall.

The flowers are native to southwest to central Asia, especially in China. They are also native to many other countries throughout the world. There are between fifty and sixty species that make up this genus. This plant specimen will grow well in zones two through nine in the United States. Although most of the species are considered biennial, some are perennial in warmer climates. If sown indoors early the Hollyhock will bloom the first year. If the seeds are sown in late spring or summer, flowering won't appear until the following summer.

This group of species are easy to grow and thrive in full sun. They can take some partial shade and love well drained soil conditions. I remember as a child going to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York every summer. My grandmother's house was situated in the heart of the mountains on an old country road. I use to spend a week every summer in August. I will never forget the beauty of the Hollyhocks along the foundation of the old country home.

This is a photo in 2008 of the same house, where my uncle lived for years. He has passed away now so the memories of the beautiful flowers will always remain with me. There aren't as many flowers as when I was a child, but the beauty of the natural setting, is still stunning. A great companion of this specie is the Rudbeckia.

Another plant that looks super with the Hollyhock are Hostas. Although Hostas tend to like shade, in cooler climates, the Hosta can take some sun.

The flowers of the Mallow family range in color from white, pink, red, yellow, maroon, and salmon tones. The stunning aspect of this species are the petals can be plain or frilled. They have single or double blooms. The blooms will last anywhere from three to five days. After bloom time, fruit appears and seeds come from the fruit.

This specie is wonderful along fences, foundations, great backgrounds and even as borders. In the outdoor features section, there are many different places that this flower will look stunning. The plant has heart shaped leaves and the flowers stand out on each specimen. The stem is unique with the way it stands up tall. This is one reason this specie can be a focal point for a specific area.

The Mallow family is truly an ideal flower to plant in many different style gardens. Hollyhocks can grow all over the world, and this specie with all the different vibrant colored flowers, can add such a new dimension to any landscape or garden. Whether you are in the mist of winter beginning, or the heat of summertime, I highly recommend this flower to add to the beauty of your outdoors.