Hollyhock

The hollyhock, scientifically known as Alcea rosea, is a magnificent and towering flowering plant belonging to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Renowned for its exceptionally tall, unbranched spikes, this iconic garden favorite can easily reach heights of over two meters, producing a stunning vertical display of large, saucer-shaped blossoms in an array of vibrant colors including pink, red, yellow, purple, and white. Typically grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, hollyhocks are deeply rooted in cottage garden traditions, serving as a striking backdrop along fences, walls, and borders. They attract a wide variety of pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, making them an ecologically valuable addition to any landscape while offering historic charm and dramatic visual impact.