Chatting all things hollyhocks on Gardeners World last night…..
Hollyhocks……
British Hollyhocks and Cosmos Bipinnatus
Adventures in establishing and looking after the National Plant Collections of both Alceas (Hollyhocks) and Cosmos Bipinnatus
British Hollyhocks and Cosmos Bipinnatus 
Hi Jonathan, you inspired me to attempt to grow Hollyhocks again, I’ve not had much luck in the past. But I’ve bought a dustbin, put in copious amounts of composted bark then a whole bag of peat free compost. Can I plant out now and how many plants per dustbin please. Wish me luck, I am very jealous of your spectacular specimens.
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As you know, I only grow in bins to protect from the hordes of rabbits – but it seems to work… plus the ones in the ground are getting more established. I put 5 plants per bin which is probably overkill – but again was for the purpose of the national collection as opposed to ideal growing conditions. Hollyhocks are in essence hardy – so the ones outside stay outside. The issue I faced when bringing small plants out was that I did I it on a hot day with wind and all the leaves got scorched – so its stuff like that I’d be as much worried about as colder temps at night.
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Thankyou so much for your reply. I hope my plants do as well as yours.
Kind regards
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You are more than welcome. Happy growing.
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