Heavenly Flowers

by Elizabeth Winter

Title

Heavenly Flowers

Artist

Elizabeth Winter

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Admired in the ancient gardens of China, hollyhocks are among the oldest cultivated flowers.

They were brought to Europe by explorers in the 16th century. Named by the English herbalist William Turner, hollyhocks became a favorite in the United States during Colonial times when Thomas Jefferson grew dark red varieties in his garden at Monticello.

Victorian gardeners loved them, and today these old-fashioned flowers accent many gardens across the nation. Noted Architect Frank Lloyd Wright named his first Los Angeles project the Hollyhock House, in honor of the owner Aline Barnsdall’s favorite flower, the hollyhock.

Hollyhocks comprise about 60 species of flowering plants in the Alcea genus of the Alliaceae or mallow family that also includes hibiscus, rose of Sharon and okra. Native to southwest and central Asia, these herbaceous biennials or short-lived perennials have been favorites of gardeners for hundreds of years.

In the garden, the hollyhocks’ large size can act as a background, screen, divider, accent planting or impressive architectural element. Their colorful, showy flowers can add charm and impact to any garden space.

Uploaded

January 26th, 2016

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