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Black Hollyhock - (Alcea rosea) |
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Silky, dark-purple flowers add a dramatic dimension to gardens and a lovely deep, rose-purple color to herb teas. Like other members of the mallow family, it helps sooth irritated mucous membranes.
Described as early as 1629 by John Parkinson, as 'dark red like black blood', it was grown by Thomas Jefferson, and offered by John B. Russe in an 1827 catalog. The elusive maroonish-black color of this old garden favorite has fascinated gardeners for centuries; its height, single flowers and rare color combine to create a riveting presence in the garden. Approx 35 seeds per pack
Biennial
Historical tidbit.... Old fashioned hollyhocks grew tall enough to disguise an outhouse...so were called "outhouse hollyhocks". Since outhouses were an unmentionable subject in Victorian days, visitors knew to look for the hollyhocks when seeking the outhouse, rather than asking where it was!
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