Hollyhock 'Black Beauty'

Tall spires hold numerous large, silky, glistening, almost black trumpets, in fact the darkest we have seen. If left to self-seed these flowers are amongst the most magnificent of specimens. In addition, this herb can be used in the same manner as marshmallow; the flowers, with the calyx removed, are commonly used to treat colds as they are a demulcent. Historically, hollyhocks have been used for many other types of medication and also as dye plants. Derived from garden forms of Alcea rosea, hollyhocks have been grown for centuries and are valued for their stature and long flowering season. Plants form large basal rosettes in their first year, followed by towering flowering stems in their second. Flowers open progressively up the stem through summer, providing sustained colour and strong vertical structure. Seed-grown plants may show slight variation in depth of colour, but most will fall within the dark red to near-black range. Best grown in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, hollyhocks benefit from shelter from strong winds and good air circulation to reduce disease. They are well suited to informal borders and perform particularly well in traditional garden settings.