Hollyhocks? What can you tell me about them?
Answer
Hollyhocks are short lived perennials or biennials (they live for only two years). There are many kinds of Hollyhocks and have been used in our gardens for many years. Currently they are becoming more and more popular. They should be grown in full sun, in well drained soil an in an area with good air circulation. They are tall (3-6' depending on type of Hollyhock), unbranched and thus very narrow. The stems are hairy, almost bristly. The leaves are lobed. The flowers are on tall stems, can be single, double or semi-double and are very colorful. The plant can be susceptible to rust, a fungus, but newer cultivars are less susceptible. Cleanup each year of the foliage under the plant helps in preventing the disease the following year.