Hollyhocks and Malvas

(Alcea rosea) This double form was called “Outlandish Rose” by Dutch settlers due to the fully double 3-4 inch blooms produced along 5-7 foot tall stalks. Full blooms in mid summer starting the 2nd year. Mix of pinks red, white, and yellow. Most/full sun - 5-7 feet - Biennial (full blooms the second year and each year thereafter) - 25+ seeds/pack.

(Alcea rosea) Hollyhocks have been put to use in US gardens at the backs of beds and in front of unsightly fences or even the outhouse since 1631. This single type is necessary at the back of the cottage garden for that ‘Tasha Tudor’ look. Tall plants will bloom in mid-summer for a gorgeous effect. This is a beautiful mix of colors including white, yellow, pinks, and reds. 6-8 feet, Full sun. Biennial (full blooms the second year and every year from then on). 50+ seeds.

(Alcea rosea nigra) Thomas Jefferson grew Black Hollyhocks at Monticello in the late 1700s and they were available as a separate, named variety (‘Nigra’) in seed catalogs by 1831. Hollyhocks have long been used in the backs of cottage garden beds and to hide old fences (or even the outhouse!). Blooms are 3-4 inches on tall stalks and produced in mid summer. Most/full sun - 5-7 feet - Biennial (full blooms the second year and each year thereafter) - 25+ seeds/pack.

(Alcea rugosa) Russian Hollyhocks are a unique fig-leaf type that produce large single sunny yellow blooms from mid to late summer. Plants are notably less prone to rust than other hollyhocks and flower stalks are sturdy. Very pretty! Most/full sun. 5-7 feet. Perennial. 20+ seeds

(Malva sylvestris) This old-fashioned ‘miniature hollyhock’ performs throughout the summer, sending up spectacular flower-covered stalks again and again Statuesque in miniature, these look gorgeous at the back of the flower bed and in groups. Thomas Jefferson grew these at Monticello and they have been a garden favorite since. Reseed profusely and come back for years. Most/Full sun - 3-4 feet - Biennial - 20+ seeds.

(Malva sylvestris) These mini hollyhocks are a color variation of Zebrina Malva and are considered the same species. Originally carried around the world as a garden flower by the Romans, Malvas have been grown in gardens for centuries. Flower covered stalks will bloom all summer and will attract and feed hummingbirds and bees, Reseed profusely! 3-4 feet. Full sun. Biennial (full blooms the second year and from then on). 25+ seeds.