The hollyhocks (Alcea, formerly Althaea) comprises 60 species of the genus Alcea in the mallow family Malvaceae. It is native to southwest and central Asia. Hollyhocks are biennial or short-lived perennial plants growing to 3.5 m tall. They are useful for adding height and color to borders in cottage gardens. Their numerous flowers are pink or yellow in the wild species.
Hollyhocks are popular as ornamental plants particularly Alcea rosea. The flowers of Alcea rosea come in a variation of colors ranging from dark purple and red to white in addition to the colors found in wild plants. Hollyhocks are extremely drought resistant and would do well in full sun locations which might be too hot or dry for other plants. They produce large, flat coin-shaped seeds and grow easily wherever they drop. Although hollyhocks live only a handful of years, by then they should have produced plenty of descendants.
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