Hollyhock: (Alcea rosea) is one of the most popular old-fashioned cottage garden flowers, with a distinctive upright pillar of large, brightly colored blooms for a few short weeks in summer. Hollyhocks are biennials, with young plants appearing from seed in late summer or fall and blooming the following summer.

Plants typically grow from three to six feet tall, but eight foot tall giants are not unusual, especially if grown in rich, well drained soil with ample moisture. Flowers range from three to five inches wide, and come in a full spectrum of colors.

Hollyhock rust is the main problem affecting these plants. Removing infected leaves and cleaning out old plant debris will help prevent over-wintering spores from infesting the next year’s plants. Newer varieties are less susceptible to rust.

Plant hollyhocks from seeds or plants in late summer or fall. If using your own collected seed, sow it as soon as it is ripe.