In another post departure from my “regularly scheduled programming”, a flower I’ve not written about previously is on deck. Thought I give some props to Hollyhocks.
Around my Colorado digs before moving back to Santa Fe, I’d see Hollyhocks here and there. But dang, no sooner did they bloom that the nefarious Japanese beetles would depend up them! We’re talking some serious carnage – not only to their delicate flower petals, but the plant leaves as well. Was very sad and was progressively getting worse. Trying to photograph had become challenging.
If there’s one thing I can attest to it’s that Japanese beetles are pure EVIL!! What they attempted to do to the little Portaluca plant on my balcony was criminal! Ultimately I put one of those white mesh produce bags over the plant to prevent the onslaught. It kept the beetles from munching through the delicate flower petals even if the plant looked a bit funny with a mesh produce bag on it.
Prolific Growers Which Make Return Appearances
Anywho, back to the Hollyhocks. By all accounts, they are quite prolific growers around this Santa Fe neighborhood. In fact come about mid-June there appeared to be patches popping up on just about every corner! From adorning the periphery of folks front gardens, to popping up along curbs, they were everywhere and nary a Japanese beetle in sight – yay!!
Hollyhocks also look to make return appearances to the same spots year after year. I guess they know a good thing when they sense it. It doesn’t look like it takes much for them to take hold in a given spot even if it’s just a crack along a curb. I’ll take blooming flowers any day over weeds!
Countless Colorful Options
As my wandering around the neighborhood prevailed, I came across Hollyhocks in countless colors. From soft pinks to dark burgundy, yellows, white and peach. And at mid to late June they were in their prime. Thankfully with so many accessible to photograph, I did not have to worry about intruding into anyone’s garden.
With them springing up so close by and at the height of their blooming, I did not have to walk very far at all for countless photo ops. On multiple occasions it was just across the street. And here I was initially worried that there wouldn’t be very many of them around. Boy was I wrong but in a very good way!
For anyone familiar with Hollyhocks, their tall stems covered with flowers are a signature. However, given my more “macro” flower photography emphasis, I took opportunity to get up close and capture some moments. It was a bit tricky at times cuz if there was any wind the tall stems would sway about. And my focus was to capture the star-like center of these flowers. I love the detail!!
Busy Bees on Hollyhocks
Bees go crazy for these flowers. It’s one of those frenzies that’s fun to watch. The only thing is, they get so far up into the flower that photographing them is a challenge. Although when they pop back out covered in pollen it’s still worth the moments of observation – even if I didn’t get a shot. They’re just being bees and that’s a good thing!
Getting further into summer, the plants tend to get a bit lanky. Often becoming so top heavy they fall over from the weight of their flower seed pods. They’re still blooming but definitely looking a bit tired in the heat of late summer. I may capture a few more shots if the opportunity presents itself. But I’m happy just the same that I was able to enjoy these flowers growing along streets, curbs, cracks, crevices and anywhere they could take hold 🙂
● If you like Hollyhocks, check out the Summer Garden Flowers and Wildflowers Gallery.