Hollyhocks are classic garden plants, recognized for their tall, stately presence and vibrant, cup-shaped blooms. They bring a distinct, old-fashioned charm to garden spaces. Pollinators play an important role in plant reproduction. Understanding the interactions between specific plants, like hollyhocks, and these beneficial insects and birds helps create thriving, biodiverse environments.
Characteristics That Attract Pollinators
Hollyhocks possess several features that make them appealing to various pollinators. Their impressive height, often reaching 6 to 8 feet, makes them highly visible targets in a garden landscape. The flowers typically open from the bottom of the stalk and progress upwards, providing a continuous supply of fresh blooms throughout their long season, which generally spans from June to September.
These flowers contain five nectaries at their base, producing abundant sweet liquid. The pollen grains are large and prickly, clinging to foraging pollinators as they move within the flower. Hollyhocks come in a wide array of colors, including white, yellow, pink, red, purple, and black. Different colors attract specific pollinators; for example, bumblebees often prefer white or pink petals, while hummingbirds are drawn to deeper reds and purples. Single-petaled varieties are more accessible to pollinators than double-petaled forms, which can obstruct access to nectar and pollen.
Common Pollinator Visitors
Hollyhocks are a favored destination for a variety of pollinators, including several species of bees. Bumblebees are frequent visitors, often getting thoroughly covered in pollen as they forage. Other native bees, such as carpenter bees, longhorn bees (Melissodes), and green metallic sweat bees (Agapostemon males), commonly visit hollyhock flowers. Honeybees may be attracted, especially when hollyhocks are planted in larger groups, which encourages foraging fidelity.
Butterflies are drawn to hollyhocks for their sweet nectar. Beyond providing nectar, hollyhocks serve as a host plant for the caterpillars of the Painted Lady butterfly. Hummingbirds are another common visitor, particularly those attracted to the red and purple varieties of the blooms.
Enhancing Pollinator Activity
Gardeners can take several steps to maximize the pollinator benefits of their hollyhocks. Planting hollyhocks in groups or drifts creates a more prominent visual target, making them easier for pollinators to locate. This encourages honeybees to focus their foraging activity on the plant.
While hollyhocks naturally reseed, deadheading spent flowers can direct the plant’s energy towards producing more blooms and prevent unwanted self-seeding. Avoiding systemic pesticides is important, as these chemicals can harm pollinators. Incorporating a diverse array of companion plants nearby creates a more attractive and supportive habitat. Suitable companions include coneflowers, lavender, cosmos, catmint, black-eyed Susan, and salvia, which further enhance the garden’s appeal to pollinators.