Growing 4 to 8 feet high, hollyhocks are an old garden standard, particularly useful for background screening or where vertical accent is desired. They grow best in full sun in deep, rich, well drained soils. Some varieties act as reseeding biennials. Annual types are available that flower the first year. Many colors are available from pastels to near black.
Linnaeus, who named this plant, used both Alcea (Latin form) and Althea(Greek form) from the Greek word for 'to cure'.

The Hollyhock, first brought to this country from China, was once eaten as a pot-herb, though it is not particularly palatable.

Its flowers are employed medicinally for their emollient, demulcent and diuretic properties, which make them useful in chest complaints. Their action is similar to Marshmallow.