1 More than 3 million people died of COPD in 2012, which is equal to 6% of all deaths globally that year. 2  More than 90% of COPD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.  The primary cause of COPD is tobacco smoke (through tobacco use or second-hand smoke).
Hollyhock, Alcea rosea, is a summer blooming biennial that has an upright habit with thick sturdy stems. They are winter hardy to zone 3. Zones 3 to 8 begin blooming mid to late summer. In zones 9 to 10, young plants are set out in fall and bloom early spring through summer. Hollyhocks are drought-resistant.
Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) have changed significantly in the past few years. While the big, blowsy flowers have always stolen the show in May and June, gardeners intent on having hydrangeas in their gardens can now select types that bloom throughout the summer. (Editor's Note: This article was originally published on July 30, 2009.