British Plants and Flowers – Hollyhock

Name – The name ‘hollyhock’ has been used to refer to the flowers in England since the twelfth century, although it was originally spelled holihoc, which comes from holi, for holy, and hoc = mallow, a native plant that it much resembles. It’s not actually a native, having come from the Holy Land – hence its name - but it s fully naturalised here now, and passes for a native. At one time, the plant was also referred to as St. Cuthbert's Cole, suggesting that it may have been included in religious gardens such as those at churches and monasteries. Linnaeus, who named this plant, used both Alcea (Latin form) and Althea(Greek form) from the Greek word for 'to cure' which shows the plant’s herbal heritage.

Description - Growing anything from four to eight feet tall, these plants are an old garden standard, particularly valuable for background screening, not least because many colours are available from the common pastels to near black although richer tones like orange, clear yellow or true red aren’t yet possible.

Origin - Hollyhocks grow best in full sun in deep, rich, well-drained soils and there are now some annual types are available that flower the first year. It's best to plant hollyhocks near a building or fence so they can be staked when they get tall. Be sure to keep your soil evenly moist and add organic matter if your want to keep this plant looking good and keep water on the ground, not the stem, for the hollyhock is prone to rust.

For Decoration – Small children of both genders can spend hours making dolls out of hollyhocks. Use a flower for the skirt and a bud to top the skirt with a head which you can attach with a toothpick or paperclip and put another flower on the head to serve as a hat.

British plant hollyhock photograph by mccheek, used under a creative commons attribution licence

 

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