Alcea rosea
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Alcea
Species:
A. rosea
Binomial name
Alcea rosea
Synonyms[1]
  • Althaea mexicana Kunze
  • Althaea rosea (L.) Cav.
  • Althaea sinensis Cav.

Alcea rosea, the common hollyhock, is an ornamental dicot flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It was imported into Europe from southwestern China during, or possibly before, the 15th century.[2] William Turner, a herbalist of the time, gave it the name "holyoke" from which the English name derives.

Cultivation

Illustration, 1897

Alcea rosea is variously described as a biennial (having a two-year life cycle), as an annual, or as a short-lived perennial.[3][4][5] It frequently self-sows, which may create a perception that the plants are perennial.[3] The plant may flower during its first year when sown early.[4] It will grow in a wide range of soils, and can easily reach a height of 8 ft (2.4 m)

The flowers are in a range of colours from white to dark red, including pink, yellow and orange. Different colours prefer different soils. The darker red variety seems to favour sandy soils, while the lighter colour seems to favour clay soils. The plants are easily grown from seed, and readily self-seed. However, tender plants, whether young from seed or from old stock, may be wiped out by slugs and snails. The foliage is subject to attack from rust (Puccinia malvacearum), which may be treated with fungicides.[6] Commercial growers have reported that some closely related species (Alcea rugosa and Alcea ficifolia) are resistant to this fungus.[7]

Properties

Growing up to 8 feet tall, this plant usually does not require staking, producing large flowers around 5 inches in diameter. Its leaves are large and heart-shaped. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.[8]

Pests and diseases

The leaves are vulnerable to rust, leaf spot and anthracnose. Pest problems include Japanese beetle and spider mites. Though damage to the leaves can be extensive, the flowers are rarely affected.[8]

Herbalism

In herbal medicine, hollyhock is believed to be an emollient and laxative. It is used to control inflammation, to stop bedwetting and as a mouthwash in cases of bleeding gums.[9]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Alcea rosea.
  1. 1 2 "Alcea rosea". Tropicos. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
  2. ↑ "Flora of China 12: 267–268. 2007" (PDF). Harvard University. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  3. 1 2 "Hollyhock". Cornell University. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  4. 1 2 "Annual - Hollyhock - Althaea rosea". University of Illinois. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  5. ↑ "Plant of the Month - Hollyhocks" (PDF). New Mexico State University Master Gardener Newsletter. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-10-07. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  6. ↑ "Hollyhock rust". Cornell University. Archived from the original on 22 June 2009. Retrieved 2009-07-15.
  7. ↑ "Yard & Garden Line News". University of Minnesota Extension. 2005-06-15. Archived from the original on 2010-03-22. Retrieved 2010-02-05.
  8. 1 2 "Alcea rosea (single)". missouribotanicalgarden.org. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  9. ↑ Howard, Michael. Traditional Folk Remedies (Century, 1987) p.155
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