Family: Malvaceae
Common name: Hollyhock, Common hollyhock, Black Holyhock, Dodda bindige gida, Gulphaira
Hollyhocks are classic gardens plants for temperate weather, loved for their multi-colored towers of large, beautiful flowers. They belong to the Hibiscus family, their flowers having the characteristic large petals, prominent stamens and style.
Plant characteristics
These plants grow to a height of 2-3 meters very quickly since they are annual or biennial plants that die down after they flower. Most plants flower in the first year itself depending on when it was planted.
Stem is erect and upright, and does not need support even when the plant is in full bloom. Hollyhock leaves are rough in texture, heart-shaped or sometimes palmately compound, depending on the variant. They are 20-30 cm in diameter, green in color with rough, irregular edges.
During spring and summer, Hollyhocks produce large, brightly-colored flowers in a wide array of colors like pink, red, purple, white, and yellow. They are 7-10 cm in diameter, usually having 5 distinct petals and a white throat.
The stamens and style are clearly visible. Flowers produce pollen so abundantly that they are seen staining the inner surface of the dark colored petals.
Hollyhock flowers can attract small birds, butterflies, insects, and ants with their tall spikes of beautiful flowers that have a prolonged blooming period. These plants also produce small fruits that contain a single seed.
Gardening Tips
Hollyhocks make great garden plants with their beautiful flowers, but they are short-lived and need some TLC to thrive. They love sunlight and can thrive in full or partial sun.
Plants need regular watering, but avoid overwatering since this can lead to root rot. Heavy rains or winds during summer and spring can cause the plants to topple. They are susceptible to pests, rust, and fungal infections, and hence precautions have to be taken to keep them healthy.
Uses of Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks are grown as ornamental plants, but they have some medicinal uses in the treatment of inflammations, skin conditions, cuts, wounds, burns, ulcers, respiratory ailments, chest complaints, constipation, dysentery, and kidney diseases.
Fibers obtained from the plant are used for making paper. Parts of the plant, especially the flowers are used in cosmetic preparations because of their skin conditioning properties. Petals are also used to produce a brown dye.
Propagation is through seeds. They can also be propagated through root division, though it is not very effective
Photographed at: Toronto, Canada
