The hollyhocks danced along the fence line well above the white picket fence as I followed Aunt Nono into her friend’s cottage near Mercedes. After ice tea and pineapple upside down cake, we walked out again to the old car. Below my feet were several feline friends who rubbed against our feet and calves then hid between the leaves of the giant stems. It was so magical there.

Not until I lived in North Dakota years later did I reacquaint myself with the soft friendly blossoms. When I moved to north Alamosa County, well, that was the first flower I planted. The second was the columbine! Now I’m living elsewhere in the Valley and I’m enjoying the many colors of these hollyhocks! My neighbor has her hollyhocks adorning her south side. Every morning, I pull back my curtains and see their happy faces.

Los Jardineros Garden Club of Taos explores the history of hollyhocks on their website. The Hollyhock was first named for the rods of St. Joseph by the Spanish who brought it over here. In the middle ages the flower was considered holy as it was transplanted from the Holy Land which had also been imported from China. In 1548, a horticulturist refers to the flower as “holy-hoke.”

From the Garden Club’s notes, the hollyhocks grow in all kinds of soils, in all countries and so mirrored the love of God as God’s love extended to all, no matter their country. The symbolism struck the Valley’s Spanish settlers in their heart, too.

At exoticflowers.com, the symbolism of the hollyhock is surveyed further. It is noted that they love “impoverished soil” and grow heartier where there is no fertilizer. It also represents fertility and fruitfulness because it creates many seeds as the season ends which drop and grow next season. Some also believe the stalwart stance of the hollyhock symbolizes protection and safety. They seem to reach for the heavens and stand as sentries to the grounds.

The Heirloom Gardner also teaches us that the Hollyhock leaves and pedals can be prepared as a tea known as Hollyhock Blossom Tea.  All parts of the flower have been used for homeopathic remedies throughout the centuries.  “Hollyhock has been used to provide gentle, soothing support for the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary tracts.” Added to cough syrup, it acts as expectorant. Tibetans used the tea for health as well. Even Thomas Jefferson grew hollyhocks. Some exploring of the stem to be used in paper making found that it has several promising qualities.

Just from my deck, I drink in all the beauty that hollyhocks add as they mature beside the bird bath or underneath the giant Aspen. Visitors by FaceTime and in person notice their striking and colorful blossoms. My aunt is with my mom in heaven; but I think they love the magic of these hollyhocks, too, as they travel above. 

Now then, I think I’m just ready for some Hollyhock Blossom Tea – on ice, please.

—Nelda Curtiss is a retired college professor who enjoys writing and fine arts. Contact her at [email protected]