No cottage garden is truly complete without rows of hollyhocks dancing in the sun and buzzing with bees seeking nectar. These spectacular flowers, reaching heights of up to 2.5 meters, are not only a visual delight but also a living part of Europe's horticultural heritage.
A Bit of History
Types of Hollyhocks
The Halo series – with good rust resistance: ‘Halo White’ and ‘Halo Cerise’.
‘Crème de Cassis’ – bicolor flowers in shades of white and blackcurrant.
‘Nigra’ and ‘Blacknight’ – dark, almost black flowers, with a mysterious air.
‘Mars Magic’ – intense red, a vibrant choice for any border.
When and How to Plant The best time to sow hollyhocks is:
Spring (March-April) – in pots, under cover.
Autumn (September) – for flowering the following year.
Directly into the garden – after the danger of frost has passed, in April-May.
Use peat-free compost and put a single seed in each seedling cell. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-drained, poor soil – avoid adding manure or rich compost.
How to Care for Them Correctly
Avoid wetting the leaves: Water only at the base to prevent rusting.
Ventilate the area: Don't overcrowd them – good air circulation reduces the risk of diseases.
The main enemy: rust (Puccinia malvacearum) This fungus causes the leaves to become spotted with rusty-orange spots, severely affecting the plant's appearance. To prevent:
