Hollyhock
Alcea roseafam. Malvaceae
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Pl. C4C6 — Alcea rosea
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IOverview
Overview
Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a striking perennial native to Turkey, known for its tall stature and showy flowers. This plant thrives in full sun with dry to moist soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Hardy from zones 5-9, hollyhocks can grow up to 2.4 meters tall. Edible parts of the hollyhock include its flowers, leaves, roots, and stems, making it a versatile addition to gardens and culinary dishes. Its distinctive feature is the large, colorful blooms that appear in summer, often in shades of pink, red, and white, adding ornamental value to any landscape.
Quick answers
What is Hollyhock?
Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a striking perennial native to Turkey, known for its tall stature and showy flowers. This plant thrives in full sun with dry to moist soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Hardy from zones 5-9, hollyhocks can grow up to 2.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Hollyhock thrives in full sun and can tolerate a variety of soil types, from light sandy to medium and heavy clay soils. It prefers dry to moist conditions but is adaptable. Hollyhocks are hardy in zones 5-9, making them suitable for temperate regions. For propagation, use seeds or division of established plants. This perennial can grow up to 2.4 meters tall and is known for its edible parts, including flowers, leaves, roots, and stems.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
2.4 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Hollyhock for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Hollyhocks for a rewarding beginner gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, planting pot, garden soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose a pot at least 30 cm wide with drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past. Transplant young plants if needed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist until established, then reduce watering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering during dry spells. Deadhead flowers for continuous bloom.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent blooms to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesRootStem
Edible uses: Oil, Tea
Other uses:CompostDyeLitmusoiltextiles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 29 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 29 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 1 native· 29 introduced
Europe7 regions
introduced (7)AustriaBulgariaCyprusFrancePortugalRussiaSpain
Asia4 regions
native (1)Turkey
introduced (3)BangladeshChinaIndia
Americas4 regions
introduced (4)CubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl Salvador
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)AlgeriaEgypt
Broader regions
introduced:Colorado, Argentina Northwest, Arizona, California, Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, East Aegean Is., Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Malvaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Malvaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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XII
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