Old Fashioned

• When you see pictures of hollyhocks gracing old country homes, roadsides or even barnyards, they are likely old-fashioned hollyhocks. Old-fashioned hollyhocks, which often resemble hibiscus, grow from 5 to 9 feet tall on slender stalks. It's best to plant them against a building or a tall fence, as they can be top heavy, and a strong wind can easily bend them over. They can be annual or biannual, depending on the variety, climate and growing conditions.
  
  

Double

• Double hollyhocks are much like old-fashioned hollyhocks and bloom just as profusely, except the blooms are double layered and ruffled, often resembling a carnation. They are as tall as an old-fashioned hollyhock and need support to keep them standing upright. The blossoms are huge and deep, often measuring up to 4 inches across. Like the old-fashioned variety, they are a good flower for cutting.
  
  

Miniature

• Miniature hollyhocks are considerably smaller than old-fashioned and double hollyhocks, growing to a maximum of only 3 feet. Their shorter height requires no support, so they don't need to be in the back of a garden, making them a good choice for rock gardens and borders. Like both old-fashioned and double hollyhocks, they are good for cutting. They are hardy and do well in both hot and cold climates.
  
  

Colors

• Old-fashioned hollyhocks were originally white or red, but now are available in a variety of vivid colors, including pink, yellow, lavender, orange, apricot, maroon, rose and a purple so deep that it appears to be black. Double hollyhocks are available in the same range of colors, and are often multicolored. The colors of miniature hollyhocks are more limited, ranging from a delicate pink to a rosy red.
  
  

Propagation

• Hollyhocks often won't bloom the first season, but once they are established, they are usually there for the long haul. Although the mother plant will die, the hollyhocks will reseed themselves as long as they have full sun, plenty of water and well-drained soil. If you want to plant hollyhocks in a different place, or if you want to share with friends, remove the seeds from the brown seed pods in late summer and plant them in the fall for the next season's blooms.