Alcea rosea Crème de cassis - Hollyhock

Hollyhock Crème de cassis (also known by its Latin names : Alcea rosea and Althaea rosea) is a very hardy perennial bearing purplish-pink flowers with juicy blackcurrant centres. From the mallow family, it is a classic cottage garden plant.

Tall floral stems quickly shoot up from its small clumps of lobed leaves, reaching 1.50 to 1.80 m high. 

Widespread in our French countrysides where it bears a variety of pretty common names, the hollyhock is often grown at the back of beds or placed against a wall to protect it from strong winds. 

The single or semi-double, broadly cupped purplish-pink blooms with blackcurrant red centres, flower in a staggered fashion, from July to September. During this period, they will attract bees and butterflies to your garden.