Holly hocks flowers.

 During July and August there is no plant which adds so much to the stateliness of the flower garden as the Hollyhock.

 Hollyhock flowers, in rich and delicate colours, from the deepest crimsons and maroons, to blush pinks, whites and pale yellows, are borne in a long succession on tall stems 1 - 3 metres high.

Most hollyhocks are technicallybiennials - producing leaves the first year and flowers the next. However they often last longer than two years and so can be described as short lived perennials.

 The beauty of the hollyhock flower is much enhanced when displayed against a background such as a grey wall, fence, tall green hedge or a border of evergreen shrubs - yet hollyhocks should not really be planted close to hedges or shrubs as they both usually have very hungry roots which will take the nutrients needed by the hollyhock plant.

Hollyhocks seem especially at home in country towns and suburbs and thrive well in corners and narrow flower borders near walls where they are protected in the winter from execessive wet conditions. They are very drought resistant.

 The small annual hollyhock 'Majorette Mixed' which has large semi-double blooms is ideal to grow in a flower border with other annuals and perrenials.

The hollyhock is a favourite in the cottage garden

As hollyhocks grow to a great height and are often exposed to the full force of the wind it is best to provide strong stakes assupport.Hollyhocks love a deep, rich, loamy soil - but they will often thrive without it.

If you water hollyhocks during the summer months give them a thorogh soaking, followed by a mulch of well rotted manure.

There is a long succession of flowers, and as the lower blooms fade they should be picked off so that the plant is not weakened by the production of seed.When flowering is over for the season the plants may be cut down to about 15 - 20 centimetres high and the stump covered with coal ashes, if available. This keeps the slugs and snails away and causes water to drain away from the soft stem.

If taken care of in this way, hollyhock plants will often last for several yearsA stock of young plants of a favourite variety of hollyhock can easily be raised by selecting short side shoots form the base of a plant during September and October.

Insert the shoots into pots or trays and place in a closed shaded frame until the leaves become plump - a small amount of ventilation can then be given; too much will cause the leaves to wither.

As soon as the shoots have rooted give full light and air.

Holly hocks flowers.

Astilbe flowers info.

 The astilbe flower is thought to be one of the easiest perennials to grow and care for. Although they may be feathery and delicate in appearance, they are hardy plants that develop few diseases, attract very few pests and can survive in a variety of landscapes.

 The astilbe flower is native to areas of China and Japan, but during the early 20th century, famous German botanist George Arends introduced this plant to the United States. One of George Arends� best known hybrid groups is the Astilbe Arendsii Group, which is a combination of A. astilboides, thunbergii, chinensis, japonica, and can mostly be seen in creamy white and deep burgundy hues.

 Despite the fact that they can be grown practically anywhere, they are best suited to areas with moderate to full shade, and moist � but not drenched � soil. Astilbes come from a small genus of the saxifragaceae family, with only 18 species within in its group. Their foliage is similar in appearance to ferns, and their flowers come in mild, pretty shades of white, pink, maroon and lavender.

 Given the fact that the astilbe flower is both lovely to look at and easy to care for they are often given as gifts. Unlike most flowers, the symbolism of astilbe is not exactly prevalent. However, many believe that they are a symbol of patience and dedication to a loved one.

When presented to a beloved that will be away for a long period of time, they express the idea that you will wait for them. However, these flowers do not require any specific meaning to be given as gifts. They look beautiful in any bouquet, as potted plants, or even in dried arrangements.

Passion flowers.

Botanical Name of Passion Flower: Passiflora incarnata.

Other Common Names:
Maypop, passiflora, passionflower.

Habitat:
Passion flower is native to North, Central, and South America. This plant is mostly tropical, but some varieties may grow in colder climates. Passion flower prefers shaded, dry areas, such as those along fences and woods. It can be cultivated from a cutting or seeds in full sun with good drainage.

Plant Description:
The passion flower plant has a long vine which may grow to 9.2 meters in length. It has alternate, serrate leaves with finely toothed lobes. The white flowers have a purple center. The mystery of the beautiful blossom developing from an unassuming bud was compared to the Passion of Christ because the plant parts were thought to represent the crucifixion, giving rise to the name passion flower. This flower blooms from May to July. The fruit of this plant, which is called a granadilla, is a smooth, yellow, ovate berry containing many seeds.

Plant Parts Used:
The leaves, stems, and flowers are all used in medicinal uses.