Explore Alcea rosea (Common Hollyhock) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Alcea rosea | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Common Hollyhock
Family: Malvaceae
Appearance: A tall, herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial with erect stems, large, rounded, lobed leaves, and tall spikes of funnel-shaped flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, purple, and yellow.
Type: Biennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A
Layer: Herbaceous
Root System: Deep taproot
Height: 1.5–3 meters
Width: 0.5–1 meter
Lifespan: Typically 2–3 years, but may persist longer under favorable conditions
Growth Rate: Fast
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Toxicity: Not considered toxic
Alcea rosea | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Central and southwestern Asia
Companionship: Often found in cottage gardens, meadows, and along fences or walls, thriving alongside sun-loving perennials
Invasive Range: Not reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3–9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: Not specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: Moderate tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance; prefers full sun
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance, but tall stems may require staking in exposed areas
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers well-drained soil
Soil Type: Tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils
Soil pH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0–8.0)
Propagation
Seeds: Easily propagated by seeds, best sown in late summer or early autumn for flowering the following year
Cuttings: Not commonly propagated by cuttings
Alcea rosea | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Flowers and young leaves are edible and can be used in salads or teas
Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine for its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties, often applied to soothe skin irritations and respiratory issues
Cosmetics: Sometimes used in skincare products for its soothing effects
Animal Feed: Not commonly used as fodder
Fiber: Not utilized for fiber production
Timber: Not applicable
Firewood: Not applicable
Wind Break: Not suitable as a windbreak
Fence: Sometimes used as a natural visual barrier when planted densely
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
Pest Repellent: Not commonly noted as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar and habitat for pollinators
Sign up for our newsletter or connect with us on social media to stay up-to-date with our latest posts and permaculture inspiration.
Explore our inspiring series and posts:
Love the post? Share it with your circle, inspire your people: