Hollyhocks, Hibiscus and Marshmallows

Marshmallow, to most of us, describes a confection, but the first marshmallow was derived from a mucilaginous substance in the root of a plant of that name. Marshmallows, however, are no longer produced from this plant which was introduced from Europe and may still be found in marshy locations. For mid to late summer flowers, relatives of marshmallows are excellent additions to the garden. Among the best known are hollyhock, hibiscus, and rose-of-sharon.

Hollyhocks are perennial plants. At one time it took two years to get them to bloom but recent breeders have developed varieties that flower the first year from seeds. One of the outstanding new varieties is called Majorette, which produces double flowers on short spikes only about 24 inches tall. It produces a wide range of colors. Another double hollyhock, Summer Carnival, has spikes five to six feet tall.

Those who want a perennial garden flower that requires little care might consider some varieties of rosemallow. Unlike the tropical hibiscus that have woody stems but are not hardy in our climate, the rosemallow dies back to the ground each fall. Each spring new growth from the base rapidly produces vigorous stems that reach a height of three to five feet. The flowers are spectacular, often as much as eight to 10 inches in diameter.

Like its relative, the marshmallow, the rosemallow is at home in wet lands, but also thrives in average garden locations. Plenty of moisture produces the largest and most abundant blooms, so watering well during dry weather is helpful. One of the most satisfactory varieties is called "Southern Belle." If plants are started indoors, they may flower the first year from seeds. The colors of these plants are more limited than those of tropical hibiscus, but red, white, pink, and rose form's are available.

Although the red form of rosemallow is more correctly described as a deep pink, in milder climates or protected places, scarlet rosemallow may be used. It has brilliant scarlet flowers on tall plants that may reach six to eight feet in height in a single season. Although once a fairly common garden plant, it is rarely seen today.

The most cold-hardy woody relative of the tropical hibiscus is the plant we know as rose-of-sharon or shrub althea. Once established, this plant grows in many locations, attacked by few pests, and survives heat, drought, and cold. It is one of the few large shrubs that produces showy flowers during the late summer. Colors range from blue, violet, white, reddish-purple, pink, and rose. They make excellent screens or specimen plants.

They are not tolerant of wet soil and should be planted in full sun in a well-drained location. Vigorous plants start flowering in mid summer and may continue until frost, especially if seed pods are removed soon after flowering. The bloom period of many hibiscus plants may be extended if seeds are not allowed to form. One of the objections to shrubs althea is abundant seed production which may make them weedy as seedlings germinate in garden areas. The variety, "Diana" does not produce viable seeds, and therefore eliminates this problem. It produces a single white flower. Other altheas are also available in double-flowered forms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshmallows