Description
- Alcea rosea ( Common Hollyhock ; syn. Althaea chinensis Wall. , Althaea ficifolia Cav. , Althaea rosea Cav. ) is an ornamental plant in the Malvaceae family .
- Alcea rosea is an ornamental plant in the Malvaceae family. It was imported into western Europe from southwestern Asia and the Balkans during, or possibly before, the 15th century. William Turner, a herbalist of the time, gave it the name "holyoke" from which the English name derives.
- Succeeds in most soils. Poor soils should be enriched with organic matter. Prefers a heavy rich soil and a sheltered sunny position. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. A very ornamental plant.
Growing Info: Scarification: none required. Stratification: none required. Germination: sow indoors 2 months before the date of the last frost.
