Hollyhock
Hollyhock, a tall, perennial, flowering herb. It is native to China, but is widely distributed in many temperate countries. The hollyhock is usually grown as a biennial. It has a single, erect, hairy stalk five to nine feet (1.5 to 2.7 m) tall. The large, rough, wavy-edged leaves are somewhat heart-shaped. The blossoms, which appear in midsummer, are borne on short stems close to the stalk. They are white, pink, red, yellow, or purple.
Hollyhocks are grown from seeds or root divisions. They grow best in rich, sunny, well-drained soil. Hollyhocks are usually raised in groups near walls or in borders. They are attacked by red spiders or rust, which are controlled by sprays and dusts.
The hollyhock is Alcea rosea of the mallow family, Malvaceae.
Hollyhocks are tall perennials grown for their large spires of colorful flowers.