Few flowers capture the charm and romance of a cottage garden like hollyhocks, alcea rosea. Tall, stately spires and generous clusters of blooms make hollyhock an instant favorite by providing not only height and color, but nostalgia as well. These classic perennials are surprisingly versatile, offering a range of creative uses as a backdrop in borders or as planted in a group as ceremonial guardians of the garden.
Let’s face it, it’s the storybook cottage look that we are after when planting hollyhocks, and we envision them along a garden fence or wall to frame the landscape. But for a more natural, meadow-inspired feel, try planting them among ornamental grasses or behind lower perennials, where their height adds depth and structure. In smaller gardens, group them in corners or near entrances to create a welcoming focal point that draws your gaze upward.
No matter where they are planted, hollyhocks bring their old-fashioned beauty and charm to the summer and fall gardens. Happiest in sunny spots with good air circulation, bring hollyhocks to your garden and enjoy a timeless flower that has inspired gardeners, architects, and artists worldwide.