Metro Plus
Chennai
Hyderabad
Attractive hollyhock
|
Althea, popularly known as hollyhock, is traditionally seen in cottage gardens in England. Be it red, pink, rose, pale yellow and white... the blooms add beauty to gardens.
|
FROM THE family Malvaceae, Althea or Alcea rosea, commonly known as the hollyhock, is a traditional English cottage garden flower. Said to originate from Syria, the hollyhock is a delightful plant. It grows tall and has deep green, rough textured, deeply lobed leaves.
Flowers are borne right up to the tip of the plant, in alternate formation - single, double or semi double blooms, some frilly edged also. Flowers last for about three days on the plant. The usual colours are red, pink, rose, pale yellow and white. The varieties Indian Summer and Indian Spring do well here. Semi dwarf varieties grow up to two feet in height. Seeds are easily available at the Agri Horticultural Society as well as in nurseries.
Ample sunlight, copious water and adequate staking are essential for healthy growth of the plant. Seeds are formed in plenty - each flower can yield up to a minimum of 12 seeds. Germination is fairly quick, and old plants are best discarded, even if still flowering in a straggly manner. A potted hollyhock is easy to maintain and adds beauty to a small garden.
RUPA GOPAL
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Chennai
Hyderabad
|
