Scientific Name
Alcea setosa (Boiss.) Alef.
Common Name(s)
Bristly Hollyhock
Synonym(s)
Alcea aegyptiaca, Alcea pontica, Althaea aegyptica, Althaea pontica, Althaea setosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Malvaceae
Subfamily: Malvoideae
Tribe: Malveae
Genus: Alcea
Origin
Alcea setosa is native to the Levant, ranging from Crete and Turkey to Israel and Jordan.
Flower
Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Spring
Description
Alcea setosa is an ornamental plant that grows up to 6.7 feet (2 m) tall. Leaves are carried on a long petiole. The blade is emarginate with a diameter of up to 8 inches (20 cm). The leaf margins are smooth or dentate. As spring nears, a tall stalk grows, reaching up to 10 feet (3 m) tall. The stalk is lignified, with alternate sessile leaves along and pink flowers in their axil. The leaves, the flower stalk, and the fruits are characterized by bristly hairs on their surfaces.

Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 5a to 9b: from −20 °F (−28.9 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Once you have planted your Hollyhocks, they will need minimal care, but there are a few things you should be aware of when growing Hollyhocks.
First of all, the Hollyhocks are a short-lived perennial. This means that most varieties will only live for 2 to 3 years. However, their lifespan can be extended by removing growing Hollyhock flowers as soon as they fade. If you live in a non-tropical region, cutting them back to the ground and mulching them will also help.
The one benefit of growing Hollyhock flowers is that they easily reseed themselves. While they may be short-lived in their proper growing conditions, they will continually grow more, keeping the Hollyhock flowers consistent in years to come.
Growing Hollyhocks also benefit from fertilizer or compost in the spring.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Hollyhocks.
Links
- Back to genus Alcea
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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