Malvaceae (mallow family) contains some 243 genera and at least 4,225 species of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees distributed nearly worldwide.

The genus Alcea is belonging to Malvaceae, that compilation of 70 species in the world.  Highest number of species in Iran, Russia, and Türkiye. The distribution range of the genus covers Europe (except the north), North of America, Africa, Southern Russia, Anatolia, and Afghanistan. In folk medicine, they have been used in the treatment of kidney and bladder stones and arthritis, stomach and throat pains, cough and asthma as anti-inflammatory, antiviral antimicrobial, analgesic, diuretic and expectorant. In addition, antioxidant, and liver protective properties of Alcea species’ extract in folk medicine and in vivo applications were reported.

Alcea rosea, the Common Hollyhock, is a herbaceous, flowering plant in the Malvaceae (Mallow family). Althaea rosea is used as a synonym. The plant is considered as a short-lived perennial; normal life span is only two or three years. Their original habitat is unknown, but the plant is probably a cultigen that started out in Turkey. Linnaeus, who named this plant, used both Alcea (Latin form) and Althea (Greek form) from the Greek word for ‘to cure’.

Hollyhock has large, rounded, 5-7 shallowly lobed leaves. The central stem terminates in a spike-like raceme of flowers; axillary flowers are produced from the axils of the upper leaves as well. The long spikes of flowers grow to 1,5-2,5 meters high. There are about 5-9 blossoms in bloom on each well grown stalk. The flowers occur individually or in small clusters along the central stem. The flowers are up to 10 cm in diameter and colour range of petals from white to almost black; include shades of pink, red, salmon, yellow, purple, dark maroon and orange. Seeds, sown in late summer or early autumn, will flower the following spring and summer, it can reach up to 2,5 meters high in a short time. The plant has a long bloom period from May to August.

Alcea rosea’s, are herbaceous flowering plants that reseed themselves and can produce colonies of plants that return in the garden year after year. The plant prefers full to partial sun, a heavy, rich, organic soil with a neutral, acid or alkaline but will not tolerate wet winter soils. Slugs, caterpillars and flea beetles are damaging pests when the plant is young. Also susceptible to rust, spider mite, leaf spot and anthracnose. They are easily grown from seed. Plant is very hardy to cold; it is said withstand −40 °C. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Today, there are many cultures of the plant. Alcea rosea ‘Nigra’ classic hollyhock
whose deep maroon blooms look almost black, Alcea rosea ‘Spring Celebrity Crimson‘ bloom ruffle dwarf hardy year in crimson colour varieties of grass in height about 70 cm.

In herbal medicine, Alcea rosea 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.

Can be used as a showy edible garnish or a container for dip. Flowers may be used to make a dye.

Use in Landscape: Hollyhock is a very ornamental plant and the flowers come in several various colours. Hollyhocks provide excellent architectural height, contrast and a certain amount of old-world charm to cottage gardens and border backgrounds.  Plant can be used at flower bed borders, wall-side borders, cottages, and informal gardens. They are effective when grown against walls or fences. It grows tall so should be planted back of garden. A group of well grown Hollyhocks in bloom is worth going to see. It is really the colour that admired because the leaves are large, coarse and grow mostly in clumps at the base of the plant.