The Hollyhock Is A Stunning Biennial Flower In A LandscapeThe 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, as my uncle still lives in the over 100 year old home. 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 the seeds come from the fruit.
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. |
