Alcea rosea aka Hollyhock

Taxonomy

Genus Alcea Family Malvaceae Order Malvales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Alcea rosea, commonly known as the hollyhock, is an ornamental dicot flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It was introduced to Europe from southwestern China, possibly before the 15th century. The plant has lobed rounded leaves and produces tall spikes of open funnel-shaped single flowers. These flowers start with bright pink edges that fade to paler pink towards a yellow center during the summer. Hollyhocks are typically short-lived perennials. They are a popular choice in cottage gardens, blooming abundantly in mid-summer. While many varieties are biennials, requiring two years to complete their lifecycle, there are also short-lived perennial varieties that can flower in their first year if planted early or started indoors. Hollyhocks require minimal maintenance, apart from staking and pruning after flowering. However, they are susceptible to insect pests and fungal diseases like rust. In the United States, hollyhocks can be invasive. Overall, Alcea rosea is a charming and versatile plant that adds beauty and color to gardens.

Common names

Hollyhock, Common Hollyhock

How to care for Hollyhock

Difficulty

Hollyhock requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Hollyhock should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Hollyhock loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Hollyhock prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Hollyhock to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

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Toxicity

Hollyhock is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Region of origin

Hollyhock’s native range is The original habitat is obscure, it is probably of hybrid origin. A garden escape in Britain[17].

More info:
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More Species in Alcea Genus

Alcea rugosa Hollyhock