We've grown miniature hollyhock (Hollyhock Mallow), Malva sylvestris 'Zebrina.' Good vase life. The center stem was pretty thick on the first cutting; however, the side shoots worked much better in our bouquets. This plant gets quite bushy. When we mowed it down later in the season, it fought back and grew even bigger.

I looked up Russian Hollyhock, Alcea rugosa in the catalog from our vendor. They did mention the leaves on this one have demonstrated a greater resistance to hollyhock rust. And, yes, they are supposed to make good cutflowers.

Now my question. Are you ordering your perennials from Plant Delights? Eleven dollars for one plant. Did I read that right? The gears in my head are starting to move. At that price, I should pot up some #1 bareroots from my vendor and haul them to market. We're gonna be rich!!!

Trish

I grew a package of seed from Plants of Distinction that is called Queeny in mixed colors. THey were wonderful! Grew about 30" high with darling single f lowers with powderpuff centers in lots of different colors. The purple one was a w iner a couple of years ago but th is is the only place I have found the mix with other colors. THey were very popular with my customers!

RAther then paying a lot for plants, start the seeds now inside if you have a place for this. My Queenies are supposed to produce well the second year also but I have seeds to start now for next season just in case!

Hey Lizalily,

U got flowers the first year huh. I though they bloomed the second year.

Thanks a ton,
Tim

I started these in January and set out seedlings in about April. They were blooming beautifully by August and right through to Frost in October. So run to the store and get them growoing now! I have seed to start too!

Perhaps it is because they do not have to grow so tall that they come into bloom earlier then the big ones.According to the package I should get a good crop of them this year too. But I need more, more, more so will start them again!

Hey Lizalily,

I only wish I could get a greenhouse. I have a full plate. 3 small kids, orchard, 1,000 lilacs, 1,000 lavender, roses, gopher, work, life, a lovely wife. etc.

But I do have about 30 or so that seed every year and I love em too much.

I hope u make a mint off em,
Tim