Holly Hock Flower Seed (Alcea)

These garden favourties are members of the genus althaea family. The Hollyhock was grown orginally in China and was imported into England about 400 years ago.
It attained an early popularity in American colonial gardens. being Hollyhocks look best planted under windows, against walls and along fences to bring a fresh, bright, note of colour to these places.
Hollyhocks are one of the tallest perennials. Their long lasting, satiny flowers attract hummbirds to the garden. An icon of the cottage garden.

Hollyhocks can grow four to eight feet high. They have a leafy spire like stem, hairy alternate leaves and clusters of attractive flowers whose five petals are usually notched. Hollyhock flower seeds should be planted in full sun. Blooms last mid summer until autumn. Hollyhock plants are generally easy to care for and resisant to pests and diseases.  USDA hardiness zone 4-8. Plants readily reseed!

For use of cut flowers and dramatic bouquets, florists reccommend filling the hollow stems to maximise the life of the cut blooms. If you would like to try this, simply turn each cut stem upside down, pour water into the hollow stem until it is full and plug the end with a cotton ball. Hollyhocks last 7-10 days in a vase.