Peonies, Hollyhocks, and Foxglove: The Beauty and Purpose Behind Classic Blooms

Walk through any traditional English cottage garden—whether in a vintage photo, a countryside village, or your own neighborhood—and you’re likely to find three timeless blooms: peonies, hollyhocks, and foxglove. They weren’t just chosen for their charm (though they have plenty of it). These flowers served practical purposes in garden design, home life, and even medicine.

Let’s dig into why these three plants earned a place in every classic garden—and why they still belong in yours.

Peonies – The Luxurious Workhorse of Spring

Peonies are the darlings of early summer gardens. With their lush, layered blooms and intoxicating fragrance, they bring a sense of abundance to any flower bed. But Victorian and cottage gardeners didn’t grow them just for the show.

Why they grew peonies:

• Incredible cut flowers – Peonies hold well in a vase and were a favorite for home décor
• Hardy perennials – Once planted, they come back stronger year after year
• Deer-resistant – While not immune, peonies are less tempting to wildlife
• Symbol of prosperity and romance – A favorite in wedding bouquets and cottage symbolism

Master Gardener Tip: Cut peonies just before they open—when they feel like a soft marshmallow—for the longest vase life.

Hollyhocks – The Vertical Screen That Hid the Outhouse

Tall, stately, and covered in blooms from top to bottom, hollyhocks were the living walls of the cottage garden. In the days before privacy fences and indoor plumbing, they lined property edges and camouflaged less attractive parts of the homestead.

Why they grew hollyhocks:

• Height and drama – Growing up to 8 feet tall, they add instant vertical interest
• Excellent at hiding eyesores – Like outhouses, compost bins, and sheds
• Biennial blooms – Self-seed easily and return year after year
• Pollinator magnets – Loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Bonus: Many heirloom varieties have edible blossoms and were once used in herbal remedies.

Foxglove – Beauty with a Side of Mystery

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is known for its tall spires and tubular bells in soft pastels. But there’s more to this flower than meets the eye. It’s steeped in folklore, medicine, and caution.

Why they grew foxglove:

• Striking spikes of color – Perfect for the back of a flower bed
• Thrived in shade – Made use of cooler corners
• Used in old-world medicine – The heart drug digitalis is derived from it
• Folklore staple – Believed to be a favorite of fairies (and a deterrent to evil spirits)

Caution: While beautiful, foxglove is toxic if ingested. Always plant with awareness around pets and children.

Why They Still Belong in Your Garden

These three flowers aren’t just nostalgic—they’re practical, beautiful, and pollinator-friendly. They help build structure, extend bloom time, and add historic charm. Plus, they speak to a style of gardening that values form and function—a lesson modern gardeners can still learn from.

Whether you’re building a full-fledged cottage garden or adding romantic touches to your beds, peonies, hollyhocks, and foxglove will never go out of style.