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Hollyhock
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Hollyhock

Alcea rosea

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameHollyhock
DescriptionMajestic cottage garden classic featuring towering flower spikes 5-8 feet tall adorned with large cup-shaped blooms in rainbow of colors including pink, white, red, purple, yellow, and near-black from midsummer into fall. Technically biennial producing foliage first year and flowering second year before dying, but readily self-seeds creating impression of perennial presence in gardens. Native to Turkey and western Asia, beloved for adding dramatic vertical interest to borders, thriving against walls and fences where stately spires attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds despite susceptibility to rust disease.
FamilyMalvaceae
GenusAlcea
TribeMalveae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaBr(3-8) ⊕ ☿ K(5) C5 A(∞) G(∞)

Epicalyx of 3-8 bracteoles present, Actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), bisexual, 5 fused sepals, 5 free petals, numerous stamens with filaments fused into tube around style (monadelphous), numerous carpels arranged in ring with superior ovary typical of Malvaceae

Features
  • Name 'Hollyhock' possibly from 'holy hock' (holy mallow) brought from Holy Land during Crusades, or from 'hock' (Old English for mallow). 'Alcea' from Greek 'alkaia' (mallow). 'Rosea' means rose-like. Member of Malvaceae (mallow/hibiscus family)
  • Large cup or saucer-shaped flowers 3-5 inches (8-12 cm) across, single or double forms. Colors include pink, white, red, purple, yellow, apricot, near-black. Arranged densely on tall spikes. Blooms open sequentially from bottom to top over 2-3 weeks. Blooms June-September
  • Biennial or short-lived perennial. First year produces large basal rosette of rounded, lobed leaves. Second year sends up tall flowering spike, then dies after setting seed. Self-seeds prolifically for continuous presence. Some varieties bloom first year if started early
  • Grows 5-8 feet (1.5-2.5 m) tall, dwarf varieties 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). Spread 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). Lifespan 2 years as biennial, 3-4 years as short-lived perennial. Propagated by seeds sown in summer for next year bloom. Self-sows readily
  • Native to Turkey, western Asia, possibly China. Cultivated for centuries, spread along Silk Road. Naturalized in Europe, North America. Found in cottage gardens, farmyards, roadsides. Thrives in temperate climates. Historical medicinal uses for respiratory issues
  • Requires full sun (6+ hours). Prefers rich, well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Shelter from strong winds (tall spikes can topple). Hardy zones 3-9. May need staking. Susceptible to hollyhock rust (orange spots on leaves)
  • Excellent for cottage gardens, borders, against walls/fences. Provides dramatic vertical accent and backdrop for shorter plants. Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds. Deer resistant. Edible flowers used in salads. Historically used medicinally for sore throats, coughs
  • Remove rust-infected leaves promptly. Water at base to avoid wetting foliage. Deadhead to prolong bloom or allow to self-seed. Stake tall varieties in windy sites. Cut back after flowering. Rust-resistant varieties available. May need fungicide in humid climates. Easy from seed

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificAlcea rosea
English (Alternate)Alcea Rosea, Althaea, Hockleaf, Joseph's Staff, mallow, rose mallow, mallow, marsh mallow
Hindiगुलखैरू (Gulphaira), खतमी (Khatmi), गुलखैरा) (Gulphairu), हॉलीहॉक (Hollyhock)
Tamilபவள மல்லி (Pavala Malli)
Teluguహాలీహాక్ (Hālīhāka), హాలీహాక్ (Hollyhock)
Malayalamഓളം (Olam)
Kannadaದೊಡ್ಡಬಿಂದಿಗೆಗಿಡ (Dodda bindige gida), ಹಾಲಿಹಾಕ್ (Hōlihāk)
Sanskritचित्रसेवती (Citrasevatī), कर्णिकारः (Karṇikāraḥ)
Bengaliহলিহক (Holihok)
Frenchrose trémière
Russianалтей (altéy), алтей розовый (altéy rozóvyy)
Spanishmalva real, malvarrosa
GermanStockrose, Malve

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.