Hollyhocks are an old cottage garden perennial favorite, traditionally associated with herbal treatments for a variety of common ailments. Alcea or Althea, commonly referred to as Hollyhocks have throughout history varied in popularity.
Originally from China and Asia, Alcea or Hollyhock were thought to have been shipped throughout much of Southern Europe from the Holy Land and so the common name was founded.
Towering high above most garden perennials the Hollyhock had fallen out of favor due to the troublesome pests and diseases that plague this old fashioned perennial.
Once used for natural dyes and healing teas the buds and flowers of the hollyhocks have passed used as a tincture to help with inflammation and indigestion.
Hollyhocks often considered bi annual since they take a second growing season to send up a flower stem. Popular with Hummingbirds and Butterflies the single flowered Alcea are best grown for attracting pollinators.
Grow Hollyhocks in full sun where free draining soil does not dry out completely, irrigate during dry spells for best performance and disease free plants.
Old fashioned garden perennials often make a comeback and the Hollyhock is no exception. Often seen as a carnival of mixed colors, modern day gardeners are choosing a more select pallet and choosing the vibrant long flowering parade of colors for subtle blends and contrast.
Easy to grow from seed the plants will benefit from a rich growing medium best grown as tall border short lived garden perennial. Parent plants will readily set seed and cross-pollination is likely resulting in some colorful variations after a number of years.
Choose from 6 colors or 2 colorful mixes from pastel shades to a vibrant color palette.
White, Black, Pink, Red, Burgundy, Pastel Mix, Lemon, Carnival Mix
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