Is Alcea the same as Hollyhock?
Alcea is a genus of over 80 species of flowering plants in the mallow family Malvaceae, commonly known as the hollyhocks. They are native to Asia and Europe.
What plants are in the Alcea family?
MallowsHollyhocks / FamilyMalvaceae, or the mallows, is a family of flowering plants estimated to contain 244 genera with 4225 known species. Well-known members of economic importance include okra, cotton, cacao and durian. There are also some genera containing familiar ornamentals, such as Alcea, Malva and Lavatera, as well as Tilia. Wikipedia
Where is Alcea rosea native to?
hollyhock, (Alcea rosea), herbaceous plant of the hibiscus, or mallow, family (Malvaceae), native to China but widely cultivated for its handsome flowers. The several varieties include annual, biennial, and perennial forms.
Are there different varieties of hollyhocks?
Flowers may be pink, red, white, yellow or peach colored. Many varieties are ruffled, stripped or multi-colored. Hollyhocks are a biennial or short-lived annual that reseed to return year after year.
How do you grow Alcea rosea?
Hollyhocks need full sun and moist, rich, well drained soil. The mistake many novice hollyhock growers make is to plant this flower in soil that’s too dry. If you are planting seeds, sow them outside about a week before last frost. If you are planting seedlings out, wait about two to three weeks after last frost.
What plant is similar to hollyhocks?
U.S. Native Plant Alternatives to Alcea rosea (Hollyhock)
- Calopogon tuberosus (Grass Pink)
- Chamaenerion angustifolium (Fireweed)
- Hibiscus coccineus (Scarlet Rose Mallow)
- Hibiscus laevis (Halberd-Leaved Rose-Mallow)
- Hibiscus moscheutos (Hardy Hibiscus)
- Ipomopsis rubra (Standing Cypress)
What hollyhock means?
Hollyhocks symbolize the circle of life, ambition, fertility, and abundance. Traditionally these flowers have been planted near the front door to welcome in prosperity to the home.
What are hollyhocks good for?
Hollyhock is a plant. The flower is used to make a medicinal tea. People use hollyhock for preventing and treating breathing disorders and digestive tract problems. Some people apply hollyhock directly to the skin for treating ulcers and painful swelling (inflammation).
Is Alcea rosea edible?
After your hollyhocks get going, they’ll attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your garden. Leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds can be eaten in small quantities.
Where’s the best place to plant a hollyhock?
Plant in a well-draining area with full sun to partial shade. Due to their height, protect from damaging winds and provide support such as a fence, wall, trellis or stake. Hollyhocks will readily self-seed if left to their own devices, so locate them in an area where this won’t be a nuisance.
Are hollyhock flowers invasive?
Alcea rosea (Hollyhock) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
Is Alcea Hardy?
A short lived, hardy perennial or biennial, that makes a big impact in the garden. This classic cottage garden favourite is available in a wide range of colours and makes a stunning backdrop for beds and borders.