Alcea rosea or the ancient hollyhock is a Virginia Garden delight that blooms all summer and likes the full sun. The blooms are dramatic spires of rosette, single or double flowers in a scope of colors. The single flowers have five petals. Hollyhocks reach four to six feet tall, self-sow, and attract hummingbirds. The hollyhock is biennial but self seeds giving the appearance of a perennial.

In Virginia, hollyhocks can grow under the walnut trees.

The hollyhock belongs to the Malvaceae family.

The deer love to nibble the hollyhocks. Survival of the plants is dependent on protective fencing.