Just planted a very large double hollyhock plant with three mail stocks in a summy location and it is fading. We planted it where we had a large heather plant that we took out. Can you advise?
It could be suffering from shock. This article will help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
I purchased and planted this hollyhock weeks ago and it had pink flowers. The plant received an injury and I had to cut off the top 1/3 of the plant. It is now producing white flowers. What caused the color change and what can I do?
This is common for the Indian Spring Hollyhock.
The colors can vary from very pale pink though mediums to very pinky red.
The more sunlight they generally produce the darkest showiest colors.
You can stake your hollyhocks to help them stay upright in windy conditions.
Last year my double hollyhocks bloomed for the first time (2nd yr. plants) and were huge pom-pom blooms - just gorgeous. This year they bloomed as singles. What happened??
This happens because many hollyhocks are biennials and often hybrids as well. The plants you planted actually have died. What you are seeing now is their offspring. Because the original plants were hybrids, their offspring will revert to the look of one of the parents of the plant you originally planted. It is one way that some seed companies guarantee that you will be back to buy more - if you want holly hocks that look like the original ones you planted.
Our home is surrounded by spacious lawn and woods, enjoyed by deer, rabbits, occasional bear. I'm trying to grow attractive flowers not prone to being munched by deer. My vegetable garden is fenced but I don't want to string electric fence to keep the rest attractive.
Hollyhocks would not likely be there first choice but wildlife as you mention will sometimes try anything.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-resistant-plants.htm
My Hollyhocks are healthy, but do I deadhead the dried pods or just let them fall off after they bloom? Thank you.
Either is fine. It will not hurt the plant to remove the spent blooms/seed pods or leave them.
I have only had a few flowers but there are lots of buds that have never opened.
Likely is an issue with Hollyhock Weevils.
Also lack of pollination can cause this problem.
Here are some links for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/controlling-hollyhock-weevils.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/tips-on-hollyhocks-growing-hollyhocks-successfully.htm
I have a beautiful dark red hollyhock that I want to retain by planting some of its seed. What is the right time to collect seed? Do the seeds need any special treatment prior to planting? Thank you.
I typically wait until the blooms have faded and then deadhead to collect the spent blooms. Allow these to dry and then collect the seeds. You can then store them in either a brown paper bag (in a dark location) or an airtight container for spring planting. This article should help with growing them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/tips-on-hollyhocks-growing-hollyhocks-successfully.htm