SCIENTIFIC NAME: Alcea rosea

COMMON NAME: Hollyhock

FAMILY: Malvaceae

TYPE: biennial; best planted in fall for next year's flowering

LEAVES: alternate, orbicular with 3-, 5-, or 7-lobed, rugose

FLOWER: single or double, in terminal racemes; white, yellow, pink, red, or lavender

SEASON OF BLOOM: late spring and summer

GROWTH HABIT: 2' to 9'

SOIL: well drained

SUN: full

UTILIZATION: background or specimen plants; textural accent

DISEASES: rust, anthracnose on leaves

INSECTS AND RELATED PESTS: spider mites

PROPAGATION: seed

MAINTENANCE: staking may be necessary for tall cultivars