Reds in the hollyhock family run from bright cherry and crimson to a deep, velvety maroon that looks almost black in shade. Wikipedia notes that the darker red types tend to favour sandy soils, while lighter ones lean to clay, although most gardeners find that any well-worked soil will do.
The dark ones
A famous dark form is 'Nigra', sometimes sold as the black hollyhock. Its petals are a rich maroon with a pale yellow centre, and it looks striking beside lime-green foliage or a cluster of white flowers. Such dark flowers can look dull in low light, so place them where they catch the sun.
Planting a red spire
- Pick a spot with full sun and shelter from strong wind.
- Dig in compost and well-rotted manure before planting.
- Seed sown in autumn or early spring gives flowers in the following season.
- Space plants half a metre apart and stake each spire.
Red hollyhocks suit cooler areas best. Gardeners in Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra see strong flowering from November to February. In humid places such as Sydney and Brisbane, rust is likely, so choose an open spot.
Bees and butterflies on red spires
The open single-flowered kinds attract bees and butterflies. Double types look showy but give them less access to nectar.
Red hollyhocks around animals
Hollyhocks are not usually considered poisonous, but a pet that eats a lot of any garden plant can end up with a sore stomach. If you are worried, call your vet.
