Holly hocks flowers.

 During July and August there is no plant which adds so much to the stateliness of the flower garden as the Hollyhock.

 Hollyhock flowers, in rich and delicate colours, from the deepest crimsons and maroons, to blush pinks, whites and pale yellows, are borne in a long succession on tall stems 1 - 3 metres high.

Most hollyhocks are technicallybiennials - producing leaves the first year and flowers the next. However they often last longer than two years and so can be described as short lived perennials.

 The beauty of the hollyhock flower is much enhanced when displayed against a background such as a grey wall, fence, tall green hedge or a border of evergreen shrubs - yet hollyhocks should not really be planted close to hedges or shrubs as they both usually have very hungry roots which will take the nutrients needed by the hollyhock plant.

Hollyhocks seem especially at home in country towns and suburbs and thrive well in corners and narrow flower borders near walls where they are protected in the winter from execessive wet conditions. They are very drought resistant.

 The small annual hollyhock 'Majorette Mixed' which has large semi-double blooms is ideal to grow in a flower border with other annuals and perrenials.

The hollyhock is a favourite in the cottage garden

As hollyhocks grow to a great height and are often exposed to the full force of the wind it is best to provide strong stakes assupport.Hollyhocks love a deep, rich, loamy soil - but they will often thrive without it.

If you water hollyhocks during the summer months give them a thorogh soaking, followed by a mulch of well rotted manure.

There is a long succession of flowers, and as the lower blooms fade they should be picked off so that the plant is not weakened by the production of seed.When flowering is over for the season the plants may be cut down to about 15 - 20 centimetres high and the stump covered with coal ashes, if available. This keeps the slugs and snails away and causes water to drain away from the soft stem.

If taken care of in this way, hollyhock plants will often last for several yearsA stock of young plants of a favourite variety of hollyhock can easily be raised by selecting short side shoots form the base of a plant during September and October.

Insert the shoots into pots or trays and place in a closed shaded frame until the leaves become plump - a small amount of ventilation can then be given; too much will cause the leaves to wither.

As soon as the shoots have rooted give full light and air.

Holly hocks flowers.