Alcea rosea Seeds | Hollyhock
LATIN NAME: Alcea rosea
COMMON NAME: Hollyhock
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Hollyhock, Alcea rosea is a noteworthy species. Its open flowers are a reliable stop for bees and other pollinating visitors. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the Alcea group, Alcea rosea is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Hollyhock provides useful material for research into flower colour, pigment biosynthesis, developmental biology and ornamental plant breeding. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Hollyhock has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Principal value of hollyhock is ornamental. Its tall flowering stems create strong vertical lines and can transform a narrow border into a layered planting. Flowers are also attractive to bees and other flower-visiting insects, adding ecological value to a traditional garden plant. After the first season it asks for very little beyond a place that suits it.
Hollyhock flowers yield soothing mucilage much like their marshmallow relatives, and the deep-colored petals have served as a gentle tea for dry throats as well as a natural dye.
Growing from Seed
Raising Hollyhock from seed is straightforward. Sow large seed in a loose, well-drained medium and keep it evenly moist. Give seedlings strong light and enough space for developing root system. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Given the right start, Hollyhock is a long-term garden companion. It is a solid representative of the Alcea group, true to type from seed. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
Related Reading
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