English cottages would not be complete without hollyhocks. Originating from China, hollyhocks are pretty persistent plants, scattering their seed all over the place and growing up on vacant lots and wasteland. Once established in the garden, they can become regular fixtures.

Their beauty is enhanced by the variety of colour forms available, from white to almost black, as well as doubles. If you're growing them in the herbaceous border, plant them at the back. They can be grown from seed or from bought potted plants. They need to be cut down to ground level after they have flowered and seeded. See Cottage Gardens for more rustic beauties.

Looking Good:
Look out for them in July at the back of a herbaceous border, for instance in the walled garden at Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex.

Best With:
Grow them in front of some taller climbing roses or colourful jasmines.