As a plant, my fundamental being is defined by my genetics. Heirloom varieties, like 'Nigra' or 'Indian Spring', are open-pollinated and have stabilized genetics passed down through many generations. This means we grow true from seed, often reaching great heights of 6 to 9 feet, with a classic, somewhat sprawling habit that requires staking. Our stems are strong but can be single, making us a bold, architectural statement in the garden. Modern varieties, such as the 'Spotlight' or 'Queeny' series, are often the result of complex cross-breeding to introduce specific traits. We are frequently bred to be more compact, dwarf, or bushy, typically staying between 2 to 4 feet tall. This makes us ideal for smaller spaces and containers, and our stronger, multi-branched stems often require no staking at all.
Our flowers are our pride. Heirloom hollyhocks produce single, semi-double, or double flowers that unfurl sequentially up the tall spike. Our color palette is often the classic range of pinks, whites, magentas, yellows, and the deep, almost black maroon of 'Nigra'. The individual blossoms are typically larger but may be more spaced out on the spike. Modern varieties have been selectively bred for maximized floral impact. You will often find us covered in fully double, ruffled flowers that resemble carnations, blooming profusely along a shorter, denser spike. Our colors can be more vibrant and sometimes include novel shades like deep apricot or rich purple, and many of us boast a longer blooming period due to our genetics.
This is a critical point of differentiation from our perspective. Heirloom varieties are notoriously susceptible to a fungal disease called rust (*Puccinia malvacearum*), which manifests as orange-brown pustules on our leaves, weakening us and shortening our lives. We are typically biennials, meaning we focus on leaf growth the first year and bloom, set seed, and die the second. Modern varieties have had significant breeding work invested in selecting for disease resistance. Many of us are highly resistant, if not immune, to rust. This means our foliage stays healthier and greener, allowing us to photosynthesize more efficiently and put more energy into flowering. Furthermore, many modern strains have been developed to be true perennials or short-lived perennials, often flowering in their first year from an early sowing, providing a much quicker return on your gardening investment.
Our method of continuing our lineage differs greatly. Heirloom hollyhocks are expert self-seeders. After blooming, we produce abundant, viable seeds that will drop and germinate readily, ensuring our presence in the garden for years to come. We are perfectly adapted to the specific microclimates we are grown in over successive generations. Modern F1 hybrid varieties, however, often produce sterile seeds or seeds that will not grow true to the parent plant. To propagate us, you must purchase new seeds or take cuttings (if possible). While we are bred for vigor, our adaptability might not be as nuanced as an heirloom that has acclimatized over decades.
