Hollyhock ~ The Abundance and Fertility

Hollyhock flowers have a very long history – in fact, remains of this blossom were located at a Stone Age burial site in the Shanidar cave in Iraq. Hollyhocks – whose name was derived from the old English expression, “Holy Flower” – also have some interesting connections. For instance, Thomas Jefferson cultivated these plants in Monticello; in Japan, hollyhocks became the seal of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and Frank Lloyd Wright named his first Los Angeles project, “Hollyhock House,” after the owner, Aline  Barnsdall’s, favorite flower.
 

Hollyhock 'Spring Celebrities Lilac

Althaea rosea plena 'Chater's Pink Pale'

 In addition to having cultural connections, hollyhock flowers have also become an important part of art. Not only can the flowers themselves be used to create a rust red-colored dye, they have also made many appearances in fine art paintings. Three of the best known examples include Georgia O’Keeffe’s uniquely-hued “Black Hollyhock, Blue Larkspur,” “Pink with Pedernal,” and Vincent Van Gogh’s realistic, “Vase With Hollyhocks.” More modern works include, “Calling All Bees,” by Alma Sanbern, and “La Puerta Azul,” by Gayle Faucette. As a symbol, hollyhock flowers generally represent abundance and fertility. These blossoms are frequently given to new or soon-to-be new mothers – generally to wish her luck in bearing a child, or to welcome the birth itself.
 

Semi-Double Red to Maroon Hollyhock

They are also sometimes presented to newly married couples to wish them a large and happy family. Although these blooms look fantastic in any arrangement or bouquet, many people prefer to give them as potted plants – especially the miniature cultivars
 
Zebra Hollyhocks are perennials that bloom all summer long. They are easy to grow, self seed, are drought tolerant, and attract butterflies. They grow in sun to part shade and get 2-4' tall. Great for perennial beds, cottage gardens, borders, and rock gardens. Zones 4-8.

 

 

 

Zebra Hollyhocks

 

 

2004 AAS Winner Hollyhock 'Queeny Purple' was the first pure purple hollyhock. This tender perennial offers season long color attractive to hummingbirds. The dwarf plants 20-30 inches tall are perfect for smaller space gardens.

 

2004 AAS Winner Hollyhock 'Queeny Purple'