closeup of hollyhock flower

Species profile

Kingdom: Plantae

Class: Tracheophytes, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Rosids

Order: Malvales

Family: Malvaceae

Subfamily: Malvoideae

Tribe: Malveae

Genus: Alcea

Hollyhock, also known as Garden mallow is native to Asia and Europe but is cultivated all over the world for its beautiful flower. This plant is annual, biennial, or perennial. The plant tends to be high maintenance but does not need a lot of attention growing up.

Hollyhocks- the short span beauty flower

Hollyhock flower blooms in various colours that are pink, mauve, red, white, purple and yellow depending on the cultivator.
The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies as they suck the sweet nectar from the beautiful flowers.
Hollyhock is a herbaceous, erect and short-lived plant and grows up to 1.5-2 metres high and 7-15 cm across. Its stems are light green.

How to Grow Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks need moist, rich and well-drained soil. The seeds of hollyhock plants need to be planted right below the soil not deeper than ¼ inch. The soil should not be dry at all.
The plant needs full sun, partial sun in hot climates. Irrigation from below and good air circulation should be provided for a good growth
After the plant is grown, it flowers in the first year itself. And after flowering the plant should be cut down to within a few inches of the ground and should be watered and fertilised again for another year of growth.
Hollyhocks plants often self sow their seeds and act as natural fertilisers too.

Health benefits of Hollyhock

Hollyhock is used to cure high fever, it possesses antipyretic properties. The intake of hollyhock tea provides relief from congestion from the nose, sore throat effectively. It cures dry cough and throat irritation
The boiled leaves when placed directly on wounds reduce the pain and puffiness of the injury and help speed up the healing process.
Hollyhocks possess anti-inflammatory and soothing properties which treat abdominal pain, gastritis, irritable bowel movement and diarrhoea
Hollyhock is a herbal conditioner that provides smooth hair and also avoids hair dryness. Hollyhock is also a natural hair dye that can be made at home
Hollyhock treats dry skin and gives soft, radiant skin as it is a great moisturiser
Hollyhock is used to assist the circulation of blood. The decoction of the hollyhock flower is used for the circulation of blood

bee on hollyhock

Traditional uses of Hollyhock

It stops bedwetting and is used as a mouthwash for bleeding gums
The decoction(concentrated liquid) of hollyhock was used to promote blood circulation and treatment for constipation and haemorrhage
The Tibetan medicine uses roots and flowers for the anti-inflammation of the womb, kidney, vaginal and seminal discharge
Boiled roots and leaves of the hollyhocks plant are used for easy delivery and increase in milk production

By Sanket Sawant

27/12/2021

Erakina