One of my favorite flowers to plant in the butterfly garden is the old-fashion Hollyhock. I started planting these flowers when I was making and selling Painted Lady butterfly kits. The Painted Lady butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves and the caterpillars feed on the leaves. I soon fell in love with the colorful blooms that filled the garden.
The common hollyhock (Alcea rosea) traveled all over the world during the Middle Ages because of its well-deserved reputation of being able to thrive in almost any climate and soil so long as it was planted in full sun. This is still true today. The plant is happy almost anywhere with the exception of waterlogged soils.
Hollyhock plant history is long and well traveled. The plants are thought to be originally native to East Asia, where they have roots in ancient Japanese culture. Over the years, they spread across Asia, making their way to the Middle East, where the English first encountered them during the Crusades. The plants were used to make a salve that was very good for the Crusaders’ horses which were injured on their hind legs, or “hocks.” This is almost definitely where the name comes from – holly, as in holy (as in Holy Land) and hock, as in the part of the horse the plant was used to treat.
https://blog.gardeningknowhow.com/tbt/history-hollyhock-plant/
The plentiful hollyhock was frequently planted near cottages, as it was believed to promote wealth and fertility due to its prolific production of seeds and flowers. This abundance is thanks to the bees, which, in their quest for nectar, become generously coated with pollen as they burrow deeply into the blossoms.
Hollyhocks were once called “outhouse flowers“. These tall flowers were grown around outhouses to hide the privy. The practice was so common that the sight of hollyhocks told guests where the outhouse was located. Their tall and leafy nature helped to conceal the less appealing outhouses, making the garden or yard look more attractive. Additionally, hollyhocks are hardy plants that can thrive in less-than-ideal conditions, making them a practical choice for such locations. The colorful flowers also added a cheerful touch to an area that might otherwise be considered an eyesore.
https://sherri-crabtree.pixels.com/featured/outhouse-with-hollyhocks-sherri-crabtree.html
Hollyhocks support the lifecycle of Painted Lady butterflies as a host plant for their caterpillars and also attract other pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. If you’ve got a cottage garden, it’s just not complete without a few hollyhocks gracing the edges.
Have you ever made hollyhock flower dolls? This age-old craft has been enjoyed by children for hundreds of years and is a delightful activity to share with the next generation. See how to make hollyhock dolls in five steps: https://premeditatedleftovers.com/gardening/how-to-make-hollyhock-dolls-and-use-them-to-decorate-cupcakes/
Growing hollyhocks from seeds is a rewarding process that can add a lovely touch to your garden. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Timing: Direct sow seeds in full sun in ordinary garden soil in spring after danger of frost is past. You can also plant hollyhock seeds in late summer or early fall to give them time to establish before winter. Alternatively, seeds can also be sown in the winter. Winter sowing is a method where seeds are planted outdoors in mini-greenhouses during the winter months.
- Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Hollyhocks thrive in rich, loamy soil. If needed, amend the soil with compost to improve its fertility and drainage.
- Planting Seeds: Directly sow the seeds into the prepared soil, spacing them about 1-2 feet apart. Press them lightly into the soil but don’t cover them too deeply; a light dusting of soil is sufficient.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to ensure consistent moisture levels for germination.
- Germination: Germination typically takes about 10-14 days. You’ll see tiny seedlings start to emerge, and you should thin them out if they are too crowded.
- Care: As the seedlings grow, continue to water them regularly. Once they are a few inches tall, you can apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Hollyhocks can grow quite tall, so consider staking them if they begin to lean or if you’re in a windy area.
- Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and diseases like rust. Treat any issues promptly with appropriate measures.
With a bit of care, you’ll soon have tall, beautiful hollyhocks gracing your garden! 🌸🌿
