Hollyhocks are often spotted gracing a sunny backyard wall, standing proud and tall with their satin-like blooms. They are a classic addition to English-garden planting schemes and offer a range of pretty shades, from deep purple to pale lemon and peach.
Growing hollyhocks from seed is relatively easy, but you can often find them as plug plants or as larger, pot-grown plants in garden centers, too. Mostly biennial, they can reach great heights in their second year – 'up to 9ft tall depending on the variety,' says John Negus, a gardening expert. Because of the prevalence of hollyhock rust, a fungal disease, even perennial forms are often treated as biennials and then disposed of before they start to look unhealthy. 'However, I have seen clumps flowering year after year and they are magnificent, if slightly tatty,' says John.
