Hollyhocks a flowering giant

Driving home from a delicious lunch with my nieces today I came across some Hollyhocks growing as a street plant.  As I'm in South Australia at the moment where the weather condition during the summer are extremely harsh and get to 40+ Celsius, I couldn't believe that these beautiful flowers were thriving.

Growing up to 8 feet tall the flowers arrange themselves in clusters all the way down the stalks and come in a variety of colours.

Depending on the position they may need staking, but usually stand on there own as these were doing.













Hollyhocks traditionally like well drained soil that is rich in nutrients, and prefer full sun. Tolerating a small amount of shade however, they are intolerant of damp winter soil.

But, here they were showing off in full flower in dry, hard packed soil on the very edge of a verge. 

Just image if you gave Hollyhocks a little bit more attention, they would repay you with beautiful blooms right through summer.  A must to frame any cottage garden.

I'll certainly be planting them next spring and look forward to the wonderful display.





Happy gardening

Bronwyn