Common Hollyhock

(Alcea rosea)

Common Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Alcea rosea, commonly known as Common Hollyhock, is a biennial, annual, or short-lived perennial herb native to open woodlands, plains, and grasslands in Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean. It can grow to a height of 8 ft (2.4 m) and is known for its tall spikes of large, showy flowers that bloom from summer to early fall. The flowers come in a range of colors including white, pink, yellow, orange, and dark red, with the latter favoring sandy soils and lighter colors preferring clay soils. Hollyhocks have large, heart-shaped leaves and the flowers, which can be up to 5 inches in diameter, are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

Common Hollyhock is valued for its vertical accent in the garden and its ability to bring height and color to borders and backdrops. It is also used for screening purposes and in cottage garden settings. This plant is easily grown from seed and is known to self-seed, often giving the impression of being perennial. It thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soil. While it usually does not need staking, in very rich soils or overly sheltered locations, support may be necessary. Potential problems include susceptibility to rust (Puccinia malvacearum), which can be managed with fungicides, and damage from slugs and snails, particularly on young or tender plants.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 5-8 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, plains, and grasslands in Turkey and the Eastern Mediterranean

Other Names

Common Names: Hollyhocks, Have-Stokrose, Stockmalve, Stockrose, Chinesische Stockrose, Gewöhnliche Stockrose, Malvaloca, Malvarrosa, Alcea, Vara De San José

Scientific Names: , Alcea rosea, Althaea rosea, Alcea ficifolia, Alcea rosea var. nigra, Althaea ficifolia, Althaea sinensis, Alcea rosea subsp. ficifolia, Alcea microchiton, Althaea chinensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Alcea rosea L.