Hollyhocks

We've come down to Suffolk/Essex for a long week, culminating in a wedding next weekend.  

We've booked a week in this AirBnb with hollyhocks growing just outside the door.  We'd like some in our garden.

A couple of years ago we bought a mixed perennial pack which included some hollyhocks.  Most of the other plants have done ok.  Each year, 3 or 4 hollyhock plants appear, put on about 4 leaves, then die back.  What are we doing wrong?

We're really pleased with the location of this AirBnb.  We look forward to exploring the area.