Vibrant, adaptable blooms that blossom during summer, offering a variety of colors, thrive in diverse growing environments

In the vibrant world of gardening, few plants capture the imagination quite like the hollyhock. Originating from various parts of the globe, these tall, majestic plants offer a kaleidoscope of colours that can brighten up any garden. Let's explore some of the most captivating hollyhock species and cultivars.

Starting our journey in the Middle East, we find Alcea ficifolia, a plant with pink-flowered beauty that boasts palmate leaves reminiscent of fig plants. Originating in Iran, this short-lived perennial offers flowers in more muted shades of pink, yellow, rose, red, and white, as well as white.

Moving westwards, we encounter the British native Althaea officinalis, a plant that grows to about 90cm tall. It is covered with small pale pink, almost white, flowers in August, adding a touch of elegance to the late summer garden.

One of the rare hollyhock species is Alcea nudiflora with its white flowers. For those seeking a more diverse palette, there's the seed mix Alcea rosea 'Simplex', offering a delightful array of soft, pastel colours.

For those who appreciate the unusual, Alcea rugosa is a long-lived perennial hollyhock that will grow in shade as well as sun. It's a versatile choice for gardeners seeking a plant that can thrive in various conditions.

Among the more unique hollyhocks is x Alcalthaea suffrutescens, a sub-shrub that produces new shoots each spring from the base of the previous year's stems. Notable varieties include 'Parkallee', with grey, velvety foliage, and 'parkrondell', a hollyhock with grey, velvety foliage that makes the plant attractive even before it starts to flower.

Hybridization and selective breeding have led to some fascinating hollyhock cultivars. One such example is the Alcea rosea 'Halo white', which produces flowers in its first year after sowing. Another is the Alcea rosea 'Halo Peach', a distinct peach-colored variety with striped or halo-like petal patterns. The flowers are a soft shade of peach with dark maroon centres.

Gardeners seeking a splash of colour in their gardens will appreciate the cultivar Alcea rosea 'crème de cassis', which bears large flowers, 7.5cm wide, from June to August. For those who prefer a deeper hue, the flowers of Alcea rosea 'nigra' are actually deep purple.

Looking towards the future, gardeners can anticipate the arrival of Alcea 'Sheppard's Delight', an upcoming cultivar with unusual salmon-pink semi-double blooms. Lastly, let's not forget about Althaea armeniaca and Althaea cannabina, both producing flowers along the length of their 2m-tall stems from late summer to autumn, adding a touch of enchantment to any garden.

With their tall stature, bold flowers, and wide variety of colours, hollyhocks are a must-have for any gardener seeking to add a touch of magic to their outdoor spaces. Whether you prefer the classic pinks, the rare white, or the unique peach and salmon hues, there's a hollyhock out there for every garden enthusiast.