Alcea rosea

Alcea rosea Details

Commonly known as Hollyhocks, this is an herbaceous perennial grown for its showy flowers. Stems rise above the foliage to bare large flowers that can be red, pink, white, or light-yellow during summer. They are held above the green foliage which serves as a pleasant backdrop. It typically grows to 70 cm tall and 50 cm wide, and performs best when planted in full sun on a well-drained, sheltered site. It will tolerate light frost once established but will need staking if the site has any wind. Hollyhocks are generally regarded as a short-lived perennial and replaced every year or two. They are commonly included in cottage gardens or added to mixed plantings.