Hollyhock

Hollyhocks are a must-have for anyone wanting to create a relaxed country vibe in their garden. We traditionally associate them with old-fashioned cottage gardens, where they stood tall against sun-warmed walls and fences. However, they originally traveled to us with ancient merchants along the Silk Road all the way from the steppes of Central Asia.

These tall perennials or biennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Their love for travel has remained with them to this day, as they like to self-seed around the garden. You'll often discover them blooming in spots where you wouldn't have expected them at all, such as in the cracks between paving stones.

If you want to grow them from seeds in your flower beds, our guide on how to direct sow will help you. The plants will soon form strong basal rosettes of leaves and subsequently send up stalks full of large flowers, which will reliably attract pollinators from the surrounding area.