Old Barnyard Hollyhock Mix

Dug out of an old Vermont barnyard many years ago and carefully crossed and re-crossed for bigger, bolder blooms (and to eliminate rust, the enemy of Hollyhocks everywhere), this delightful Old Barnyard Hollyhock Mix captures the joy of the old-fashioned cottage garden. These blooms look like Grandma's might have: single-flowered in dark, rich colors you just can't find in today's newer varieties.

Each bloom is 3 to 5 inches wide, with a bold yellow center and an absolutely dazzling color—brights and pastels as well as deep jewel tones. They arise most heavily in early summer on thick, sturdy 4- to 6-foot stems, attracting hummingbirds by the dozen. It is especially attractive to Checkered Skippers and the Common Hairstreak, acting as a host plant where they lay their eggs. In the north, the blooms may well continue all season. Stake Old Barnyard Hollyhock Mix to support the long, bloom-filled stalks, or let them lean against a building or other support. (In the olden days, Hollyhocks were traditionally grown against the sunny side of the barn, where they flourished in all the manure and muck.)

Be sure to leave the last blooms on the plant even after the petals fall, for they will do your reseeding for you, and you'll be rewarded with plenty of new plants come spring.

Space Old Barnyard Hollyhock plants 2 feet apart in sun to part shade in fertile, moist soil. Hollyhocks like a good feed, so you might want to top-dress with cow manure (home cooking to the Old Barnyard Mix) to really get them growing. They are not long-lived, so let the new plants come up each spring to be assured of plentiful, ever-increasing color.