Hollyhock

Introduced Flowers and Plants Edible Flowers Flower Power

In some gardens, nothing says summer like the tall growing, colorful, large flowering hollyhock (Althea rosea).

They are a group of non-native flowering plants in the mallow family that grow wild, and in many gardens, across the United States.

Like most mallows, the plant produces multiple flowers along a single thick spike. The petals have a world wide reputation for being edible.

The plant thrives when growing in soil rich with organic matter, full sun and a consistent water source.

Many of today's species are considered annuals, although some species have been known to grow for two season.

Planting by seed after the final spring frost is the normal growing method.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels