Nothing evokes the feel of a traditional cottage garden like a crowd of sky-scraping hollyhocks. The towering, upright stems of this Alcea rosea mix soar to an impressive height of 2m or more once established, rising like stately beacons in early summer and often enduring through to September. Chubby buds encircle each vertical stem, opening one at a time from the bottom upwards until the crescendo when every silky bloom is revealed. Alcea 'Hollyhock Mix' is a joyful collaboration of colours from soft pastels to powerful red and black, each mingling beautifully with carefree flamboyance. The gossamer fine petals of hollyhocks flutter delicately, enticing passing pollinators to an irresistible nectar feast.

Although hollyhocks are relatively short-lived perennials, they are generous self-seeders, ensuring future generations for many years to come. Easily cross pollinated with other Alcea, it’s always a lovely surprise to find out which colours emerge from one year to the next. Naturally with stems this tall they require a sheltered spot away from strong winds. Plant meandering drifts of Alcea rosea through the back of a sunny border as a backdrop for lower growing shrubs and perennials.