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The hollyhock, the emblematic flower of Ile de Ré

Written on : 16 July 2020
By : Léa Frémiot
The hollyhock, the emblematic flower of Ile de Ré

Every year the Ile de Ré welcomes thousands of visitors for the charm of its villages, the beauty of its natural landscapes but also for its relaxed way of life. A quiet life which is manifested by the omnipresence of flowers on the island, including the hollyhock, the true symbol of Ile de Ré. Discover the characteristics of this wonder of nature!
 
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A unique part of the island's landscape

A unique part of the island's landscape

When we imagine the Ile de Ré, we see atypical little streets, white or stone houses, but also bicycles leaning against the houses surrounded by magnificent tall flowers. The latter are hollyhocks. Present on the island for many years, they bring a unique style to Ile de Ré and can be found on many postcards as they are so appreciated and their beauty is so unusual. 
 
This flower belongs to the category of perennials and comes in several colours ranging from white, pale pink, fuchsia and sometimes even burgundy. It was formerly used for its colouring virtues which made it possible to dye fabrics in shades of pink and purple. This flower, which can measure up to 2.5 metres, has the particularity of growing along walls in the sun, which makes the houses in the villages so charming. A real postcard item on the island, you'll find hollyhocks in various forms, in single or double flowers and in a variety of colour shades for unique shots of your holiday. 
 
This flower has the particularity of multiplying very quickly and you will often see seeds at its base in the shape of small bags. These seeds are usually sown in the autumn and the flowering takes place throughout the year on the island, whose climate it particularly enjoys. So you can try to plant some seeds at home when you return from your holidays, but it is not said that they will grow in your area. Despite their great beauty, these flowers are still fragile and can suffer from regular diseases such as rust that affects their leaves. 
 
Finally, if you want to bring back this flower as a souvenir of your stay, the best option remains hollyhock jam. Indeed, this is an edible flower that you can find in different forms in grocery stores for a unique taste experience.
 
>>> The many faces of the Ile de Ré: discover its 10 villages
 

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