Quick Guide: winter, hardy, semi-shade, height: 2.4m/8ft, width: 90cm/3ft

Althaea rosea (above), the familiar hollyhock, is well suited to cottage gardens and because of its great height looks impressive at the back of an informal border, particularly when a fine old wall provides protection. The showy, trumpet-shaped flowers of the species are in shades of pink, but named varieties are available in red, cream and white.

GROWING Hollyhocks do best if treated as biennials. Set out young plants in autumn in any ordinary soil, in a sheltered site. Strong stakes should be provided from early spring. On light soils, apply a moisture-retaining mulch in hot weather. For perennial growth, cut back plants after flowering to 1 5cm/6in; otherwise discard the plants.

PROPAGATION Sow seed in trays of compost in early spring. Prick the seedlings out into 7.Scm/3in pots when they are large enough to handle and plant out in late summer for flowering the following year.

VARIETIES `Chater's Double', peony-like double flowers, all colours; Begonia Flowered Crested', mixed colours.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Caterpillars damage the stems and leaves. Rust is more likely on plants treated as perennials and can be severe.