Mars Magic hollyhock sends up dramatic 5 to 6 foot spires studded with large, single blooms in true rich red. It's the classic back-of-the-border cottage plant, best against a fence, wall, or barn where the vertical line can show off.

Grow it in full sun with decent drainage, and give it a stake or a windbreak for the tallest spikes. Bees and hummingbirds work the open flowers steadily. Let a few seed pods mature and it will sow the next generation right where it stands.