Show Me Pictures of Hollyhocks – A Visual Guide to This Classic Flower

Hollyhocks are one of the most iconic flowers in cottage gardens and rural landscapes. Their tall, majestic spires covered in vibrant blooms are a signature of summertime.

If you’re looking for pictures of hollyhocks to help identify varieties or just admire their beauty, you’ve come to the right place! This article will showcase stunning hollyhock photos and provide tips on growing these classic beauties.

A Brief Background on Hollyhocks

Let’s start with some hollyhock basics. Hollyhocks belong to the mallow family, with their botanical name being Alcea. They are native to Asia and Europe.

There are over 60 species of hollyhocks, and they come in a diverse range of colors. Most have single flowers with flared trumpets comprising of 5 petals. However, you can also find double flower varieties with ruffled, crepe-like blooms.

These stately plants can grow anywhere from 2 to 10 feet tall They thrive in full sun and prefer fertile, well-drained soil Hollyhocks are biennials or short-lived perennials, blooming from mid-summer to early fall.

Now that you know some key facts about hollyhocks, let’s look at pictures of these striking flowers.

Single Flower Hollyhocks

Single bloom hollyhocks have flat, wide opened flowers. These are the most common type of hollyhock blossoms. Here are some top examples:

Mars Magic

[Photo of Mars Magic hollyhock]

‘Mars Magic’ has fiery red single blooms with a yellow eye. The color really pops against the green foliage.

Blacknight

[Photo of Blacknight hollyhock]

For something unusual, check out ‘Blacknight’. Its inky purple-black flowers provide dramatic contrast.

Spring Celebrities Purple

[Photo of Spring Celebrities Purple hollyhock]

This dwarf variety has vibrant purple single blooms with ruffled edges. It’s ideal for containers.

Double Flower Hollyhocks

Double flower hollyhocks have row upon row of petals, creating pom-pom or crepe-paper effects. They make quite the statement! Some beauties to admire:

Chater’s Double Scarlet

[Photo of Chater’s Double Scarlet hollyhock]

Scarlet red, fluffy fully double blooms will stop traffic. A real eye-catcher!

Pleniflora Yellow

[Photo of Pleniflora Yellow hollyhock]

Buttery yellow, carnation-like double flowers brighten any garden. A classic beauty.

Spring Celebrities White

[Photo of Spring Celebrities White hollyhock]

Elegant white double blooms are perfect for moon gardens or alongside blue flowers.

Unusual Hollyhock Varieties

Beyond classic single and double flowers, there are unique hollyhocks to discover:

Indian Spring

[Photo of Indian Spring hollyhock]

Check out the outer color band on these disc-shaped beauties. Unique and vibrant!

Creme de Cassis

[Photo of Creme de Cassis hollyhock]

This variety has saucer-shaped purple blooms with white margins. So distinctive!

Bristly Hollyhock

[Photo of Bristly Hollyhock]

As the name suggests, this type has hairy stems bearing soft pink flowers.

Miniature Hollyhocks

Miniature hollyhock varieties have all the charm of standard types but in smaller sizes. Some delightful options:

Brilliant Miniature Mix

[Photo of Brilliant Miniature hollyhock]

Abundant small blossoms in red, pink or purple make a big impact.

Dwarf Mix

[Photo of dwarf hollyhock]

A blend of colors on plants perfect for containers or edging beds.

Camelot Lavender

[Photo of Camelot Lavender hollyhock]

Lavender-blue mini blooms retain their color intensity in this compact series.

Hollyhock Leaves & Growth Habits

Now that we’ve admired the flowers, let’s examine hollyhock leaves and growth habits.

Hollyhock leaves are large rounded paddles with 5-7 lobes. They range from 4 to 12 inches wide.

Mature plants can grow up to 9 feet tall! Smaller varieties max out from 1-4 feet.

Their tall, erect growth makes them perfect backdrop plants. Hollyhocks also readily self-sow, popping up in unexpected places!

Here are some more examples of hollyhock leaves and growth:

[Photo of hollyhock leaves]

Classic green, lobed foliage.

[Photo of hollyhocks along a building]

Towering against structural elements.

[Photo of hollyhocks in a cottage garden]

Mingling beautifully with other flowers.

How to Grow Hollyhocks

Hopefully these photos have inspired you to grow hollyhocks! Here are some key cultivation tips:

• Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant seedlings 18-24 inches apart after danger of frost passes.

• Site in full sun with fertile, well-draining soil. Amend clay soils with compost.

• Provide support for tall varieties with stakes or trellises.

• Water regularly, especially during blooming.

• Cut spent flower stalks to encourage re-blooming. Leave some for self-sowing.

• Mulch in fall for cold protection in zones 3-8. Use row covers where winters are very cold.

Admiring More Hollyhock Pictures

What’s not to love about hollyhocks? Their beauty, variety, and vintage appeal make them garden superstars.

Hopefully this article has provided plenty of inspiration on the many forms of hollyhocks. For more photos of these classic beauties, check out the stock image sites iStock and Getty Images which have thousands of hollyhock pictures.

Let these regal flowers bring grace and elegance to your garden for years to come!