Time to move a hollyhock

Ruth relocates a mature plant that needs more space

- Ruth Hayes

LONG regarded as cottage garden staples, I think that hollyhocks (Alcea rosa) work really well in any style of garden, with dwarf varieties available for containers and smaller borders.

Usually grown as biennials or shortlived perennials, they are easy to grow from seed and thrive in most soils.

Hollyhocks come with single and double flowers in a wide range of colours, from palest cream to deep pink. If you are gardening for wildlife the single varieties are better for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.