The Holy Hollyhock

Do you remember the Bagthorpe Saga by Helen Cresswell? In one of the books the Holy Hollyhock featured large (or was it the Blessed Hollyhock - hmm shall have to ask Glad).

I love hollyhocks, but have had varying success with them. Or more precisely getting the colours I wanted! I've had some beautiful yellow ones over the last few years - trouble is the packet said black! And now this year a robust plant has grown - and turns out to be peach. How does that happen?!