Alcea

Alcea is a genus in the mallow family Malvaceae, commonly known as hollyhocks. The genus comprises around 60 species of flowering plants native to Asia and Europe, with many others naturalized elsewhere. Alcea species are herbaceous perennials or biennials, frequently grown as annuals in cooler climates. Most produce a tall, unbranched flowering stalk bearing large, cup- or funnel-shaped flowers on long racemes. Flowers come in shades of pink, magenta, red, white and yellow, often with a dark center, and the leaves are large and palmately lobed, typically felted or softly hairy.

Habitats include disturbed ground, cottage gardens, and borders; they are drought-tolerant once established but prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. They are generally hardy to temperate climates and bloom in mid- to late summer; many cultivars flower in the second year after sowing. Propagation is primarily by seed; many varieties self-seed in gardens. Some groups are more ornamental than others, with tall stems reaching 1.5–2.5 meters or more, requiring staking in exposed sites.

Ecology and pests: hollyhocks attract bees and other pollinators; they are susceptible to hollyhock rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spots; aphids and caterpillars may also appear. In cultivation, some species such as Alcea rosea (common hollyhock) have been widely bred in garden flora, with numerous cultivars and color forms. Usage is primarily ornamental, but traditional herbal medicine and edible seed uses are noted in historical texts.