The "usual" hollyhocks are biennials which means a flowering plant that takes two growing seasons to complete its biological cycle. However, there are annual and perennial forms.

With a biennial, Season 1 - the plant grows leaves and stems etc. Season 2 - it flowers (or should flower). At the end of the second season it will self seed and die back. It's the coming and going of new seedlings in this cycle that makes it possible for an established stand of HHs to seem to be in continuous bloom each season.

Chances are if your MIL got blooms the first year, she got and planted second season plants. The ones you see in nurseries, greenhouses and garden centers are second season, ready to bloom plants.

If you're in deer country, protect them, as deer will eat them.

Lori, if yours are biennial, you probably won't see them this year. If yours are annual but you just started them this year, you probably won't see them either (but Texas growing season is much longer than Michigan, so I guess there is always a chance).

Here is mine today. Last month it got eaten by some rabbits and only two inches of stem and no leaves left. The leaves grew back. I hope it will bloom next year.

{{gwi:17844}}

davemichigan the picture you posted is exactly what mine look like. I planted them very early this year.
duluthinbloomz4
I am not getting the whole annual, bi annual thing. You mean that Bi annual plants grow but do not bloom the first year. It is only their second yearÂs growth that they will bloom? Does this mean that the following year all I will get is leaves again? I live in Texas small town west of Fort Worth. My MIL has blooms on hers every year? If I want more to bloom next year what is recommended. Do I need to plant more annuals this year for next yearÂs blooms? I hope I am making since.
Thanks for your responses
Lori