Hollyhocks are classic garden plants, instantly recognizable for their towering height and dramatic vertical blooms. This herbaceous flowering plant belongs to the genus Alcea, a member of the Mallow family (Malvaceae), putting it in the same group as hibiscus and cotton. The common hollyhock, Alcea rosea, is a traditional favorite often associated with the charming aesthetic of cottage gardens. Though typically grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, its tendency to reseed itself often creates the impression of a permanent garden fixture.
Overall Plant Structure and Foliage
The defining feature of the hollyhock is its impressive vertical stature, providing a strong architectural presence in the landscape. The rigid, unbranched main stem can reach a height of 5 to 9 feet, making it one of the tallest flowers commonly found in home gardens. This sturdy stalk is typically covered in fine hairs, giving it a slightly rough or fuzzy texture.
The foliage forms a low rosette around the base of the plant in the first year, with leaves becoming progressively smaller up the flowering stalk. These leaves are quite large, often measuring over 6 inches wide, and have a coarse texture. Their shape is orbicular or heart-shaped, featuring distinct lobes that resemble an open hand.
Defining Characteristics of the Blooms
The flowers are the main visual attraction, forming dense clusters along the upper portion of the rigid, spire-like stalk. These blooms are substantial, typically measuring 3 to 5 inches across when fully open. The individual flowers are cup-shaped or funnel-shaped, composed of five distinct petals in the single-flowered varieties.
Hollyhocks exhibit a wide color palette, including shades of pink, white, yellow, red, and purple. Some varieties feature intensely dark maroon or purple petals that the bloom appears nearly black. As a member of the Mallow family, the center of the flower contains a characteristic column formed by fused stamens. The flowers open sequentially from the bottom of the spike upwards, providing a long bloom period from early summer through late summer.
Common Varieties and Visual Differences
While the classic hollyhock (Alcea rosea) features a single layer of cup-shaped petals, numerous cultivars introduce significant variation. Single-petaled varieties have a more natural, open appearance, allowing easy access to nectar for pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. These are generally the older, more traditional forms of the plant.
Double-petaled varieties, such as those in the ‘Chater’s Double’ or ‘Powder Puffs’ series, have numerous ruffled petals that create a fluffy, dense, pom-pom-like appearance. The overall height also differs among cultivated types. Some newer series, like ‘Majorette’ or ‘Queeny’, are bred to be shorter, growing only 2 to 3 feet tall, making them suitable for smaller gardens while still retaining the characteristic bloom shape.