I'm in zone 7B. I don't know how similar that is to your zone, but it's very hot and humid here in the summer. Both of those plants do well here. I hope some more people in warmer zones will respond as well.

Thanks echin........ Hot and humid here in summer too, and summer started in Spring. Do you have the black hollyhock? Does it burn? and do you like it?

I'm in a cooler zone so hollyhocks don't last more than a season or two where I am. As regards aquilegias/columbine, I did want to advise you that they're generally considered alpine plants and can be short-lived. I do have a few that return each year but am mostly just thankful rather than relying on them every season. They self-seed sufficiently to give the impression they've returned from the original plant altho' in Larry Hodgson's book, 'Perennials for Every Purpose,' the author refers to them as One Season Wonders that live, at best, 3 - 4 seasons.

Thanks gardenweed. Great name! I read an article recently about how modern perennial cultivars are giving perennials a bad name, as they don't last more than 2 or 3 years.

The black Hollyhock looks great here. They are so easy to grow. I'd try some from seeds.

Thanks echinaceamaniac. I googled the seeds, and will order some. Will look for some other hollyhock seeds as well.