Are you looking to add a beautiful vertical element to your yard or garden? Hollyhocks could be the answer. They can tower above your lower-growing plants, some reaching heights of 9 feet! Their flowers--white, red, pink, purple or yellow--attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Hollyhocks are known for their long blooming season, which starts in early to midsummer and continues into the fall. The plants are considered to be short-lived perennials, usually living only 2-3 years.
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Full-size hollyhocks often need the structure of a fence or building to provide support, but there are several dwarf varieties that won't grow more than 30 inches tall.
No matter how tall you choose your hollyhocks, they will add beauty to your yard, and they are easy to grow. Just follow these seven simple tips:
1. You can start with seeds or seedlings
If you are planting seeds, sow the seeds outside about a week before last expected frost. If you choose seedlings, wait until at least two weeks after the last frost. Hollyhock seeds only need to be planted right below the soil, no more than 1/4-inch deep. Hollyhock plants should be about 18 inches apart with your rows spaced 3 feet apart.
2. Plant them where they will receive full sun
Although hollyhocks can tolerate partial shade, they much prefer a location where they get 6-8 hours of full sunlight each day. Lots of sunshine and good air circulation are keys to healthy plants.
3. Don't let the soil dry out
Hollyhocks require moist, well-drained soil. The mistake many inexperienced hollyhock growers make is to plant them in soil that's too dry. Surround each plant with mulch to help keep the soil moist, and water them regularly.
4. Shelter them from the wind
Many gardeners plant hollyhocks near their house to give the plants shelter from the wind. You can also tie them to a fence or building for support. Hollyhocks look amazing when they are climbing on a trellis.
5. Feed them occasionally
Add an organic flower fertilizer to your soil to improve flower yields. You'll probably be doing this every week or two, but follow the instructions included with the product.
6. Watch for fungus
Hollyhock often gets fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and rust. If you see leaves with a powdery residue, remove and discard them. Spray the plants with a sulfur- or copper-based fungicide spray. Fungal diseases can spread quickly, so take action as soon as you spot a problem.
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7. Cut them back
Cutting the plants back to ground level and covering them helps them get through the winter. Do this right before the first heavy frost and cover them with mulch. The roots will remain dormant until spring.