Viewing post #1568965 by Steve812

GinaY86441 said:
Oh, can either of you confirm, or deny, hollyhocks for our SW area? I have the perfect spot for them alongside my sheet metal barn building. I know the metal will radiate heat in the summer, but they won't get full day sun... Mostly afternoon sun in summer. About 6 hours since the days are long. Are they critter resistant? Funny question, I know, as nothing is safe from the critters. I don't mind a 2-3 ft wire protection barrier since they grow so tall. Just thought I'd ask before making the purchase. I think the hollyhocks will look lovely.

I have failed with hollyhocks outside my fenced garden and succeeded with them inside it. I grow the perennial (Figleaf) hollyhock inside the garden. It gets nibbled by rabbits, but it seems to come back pretty well each year. The biennial hollyhock is nibbled to the ground by deer and/or javelina within minutes of planting where I live. That said, I have seen it growing along a street within half a mile of my house. So hollyhocks are definitely worth a try! Good Luck.