Garden Photo of the Day

Flower Favorites in Idaho

Hollyhocks and other great performers

Today we’re in southwestern Idaho visiting with Kyla Westerberg, who is sharing some favorite flowers—basically, anything that offers a long period of bloom and attracts wildlife to the garden.

hollyhocksBeautiful hollyhocks (Alcea rosea, Zones 2–10) in their prime. Drier climates like that of Idaho are good for hollyhocks because the lower humidity helps reduce the rust disease that plagues hollyhocks in wetter areas.

hollyhocks on the declineThese hollyhocks are on the decline, with most going to seed, although a few final flowers are opening. They are still loved by monarch butterflies.

ten-lined June beetleA ten-lined June beetle has discovered this coneflower (Echinacea purpurea, Zones 3–8). The large antennae identify this particular beetle as a male. It uses the antennae to detect the pheromones released by female beetles.

RudbeckiaRudbeckia (Rudbeckia fulgida, Zones 3–9) is a workhorse in Kyla’s garden and gives a long season of interest with its abundant yellow flowers.

double hollyhockA stately double hollyhock reaches over 9 feet tall! It is clear that hollyhocks love growing in Kyla’s garden.

blousy guaraConeflowers intermingle with blousy guara (Gaura lindheimeri, Zones 5–9).

 

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Comments

  1. sohappygardening 11/03/2020

    We have traveled many places but have never seen Idaho. It looks like it is Hollyhock Heaven! I love hollyhocks but have had no success growing them in my humid shady gardens. You have done a lovely job with your flowers. Thanks for sharing.
    Keep on gardenin*.
    Linda Colson, New Jersey

  2. Rebeccazone7 11/03/2020

    These pictures were awesome. I've never thought of putting guara with coneflowers...adding to my next year list. I'm also in NJ and agree with Linda...I'm amazed to see Hollyhocks with no rust. I gave up.

  3. User avater
    treasuresmom 11/03/2020

    Love the hollyhocks.

  4. User avater
    pattyeckels 11/03/2020

    I have never seen hollyhocks that beautiful. Thank you.

  5. cheryl_c 11/03/2020

    I love the photo of the echinacea, gaura and honeybee against the rail of the fence. Very crisp focus. Thanks for sharing these pictures of your lovely flowers.

  6. btucker9675 11/03/2020

    How how I wish I could have hollyhocks! Yours are so lovely.

  7. User avater
    simplesue 11/04/2020

    I'm late to see your garden post, but better late than never- Because your Hollyhocks are really inspiring me to keep trying to get mine established. They are all beautiful, but I"m especially in love with that simple pale pink one you have! Thanks for posting!

  8. Plants_in_Power 11/04/2020

    Thank you for the photo of the hollyhocks in all their stages of glory. I leave many of my summer perennials until late fall for birds and pollinators and also for the stark beauty of the dry stalks.

  9. User avater
    TravisRoy 11/07/2020

    Mine favorite flower is Peak Bloom

  10. flowerenthusiast 01/30/2023

    I wish hollyhocks would grow in my garden, they are so gorgeous!

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