Hollyhocks are perennials. However, unlike most perennials, after planting Hollyhocks you need to wait a couple of years before they bloom.
I've waited patiently and this year one plant -the one that wasn't decimated by our local deer herd- sent up three very impressive stalks. They have an almost architectural structure so I can easily see why Hollyhock's were one of Frank Lloyd Wright's favorite flowers.
Here are a couple of pictures that do a much better job of conveying their beauty than any words I can muster.
