What is the common name of Alcea rosea?

The common name of Alcea rosea is hollyhock. It is a tall ornamental flowering plant in the mallow family, Malvaceae, recognized for its flower spikes and large, colorful blooms.

Hollyhocks can reach about 8 feet in height, making them familiar features of cottage gardens and old-fashioned borders. Their flowers may be white, pink, yellow, orange, purple, or deep red, and many cultivated forms have double blooms. The plant is often described as annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial because its life cycle varies with climate and growing conditions.

The species has an interesting naming history. It was introduced to Europe from southwestern China during or before the 15th century. English herbalist William Turner used an early form of the name “holyoke,” which developed into “hollyhock.”

Hollyhocks are sometimes confused with foxgloves because both can grow tall flower spikes, but they belong to different plant families. Hollyhocks are mallows; foxgloves are members of the plantain family, Plantaginaceae. Hollyhock foliage is also notably vulnerable to rust fungus.