…July: splashes of fireworks.…

    Featured Plant of the Month: Hollyhock, Alcea spp.

• Garden Location: Wetlands, Oval Garden, Herb Garden, The Inn at Hudson Gardens

• Distinguishing Features: Hollyhocks are most recognizable by their erect central stems, called “spikes”, which support several tightly attached flowers. Hardy and drought resistant, Hollyhocks are long-blooming and tend to flower throughout the months of June, July, and August. Native varieties tend to produce pink or yellow-colored blooms that are 2-3” in diameter, although the flower also appears in purple, red, and white hues. Hollyhocks are highly attractive to pollinators and are often spotted with bees and butterflies atop their blooms. The foliage is light green with palmate-shaped leaves.

• Growth and Maintenance: A mature Hollyhock spike ranges from three to eight feet in height. Although it tends to have an upright habit, it can have a spread up to 24 inches. Hollyhocks are typically known as annuals or biennials, but often appear as perennials in Colorado because they easily reseed themselves each season. Hollyhocks are ideal for Colorado because of their drought resistance and hardiness, although they grow best with frequent watering and do not tolerate standing water. Due to their height, Hollyhock spikes may need to be staked and are best planted along fences or walls for support with full sun exposure.

Moonbeam Coreopsis
Coreopsis verticillata
Water Garden, Welcome Garden

Daylily
Gaillardia x grandiflora
Parking Lot

Leadplant
Amorpha canescens
Oval Garden

Russian Sage
Perovskia atriplicifolia
The Inn at Hudson Gardens, Iris Display Bed, Oval Garden, Water Garden

All photos by The Hudson Foundation