| Botanical Name | Alcea rosea |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Local Name in Urdu | Gul-e-khaira |
| Common Name | Hollyhocks |
| Life Cycle | Annual/ biennial |
| Cultivar Name | Many varieties are known |
| Fragrant or Not | No fragrance |
| Category(Bush/Vine/Tree) | Herbaceous plant without branches |
| Height | up to 8 feet |
| Spacing | Depends on the usage of the plant, may be planted closely since they do not have branches |
| Flowering Months | Summer time |
| Flower Color | White, light pink, maroon |
| Growing Areas | Throughout Pakisan |
| Frost Tender | Yes |
| Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil pH | No specific issues |
| Propagation | Seeds |
| Uses | Ornamental garden plant |
| Other Details | Hollyhocks belong to family of Hibiscus flowers, cucumbers, water melons. All have very similar flower forms. Hollyhocks are among the favourite plants of Pakistani gardeners. Available in different colours, these tall herbaceous plants add beauty to wherever they grow. Hollyhocks can survive lots of soils.Since hollyhocks are tall and herbaceous i.e. there is no wood, the plants are "mechanically" delicate. Avoid windy locations otherwise the plant may not survive or be badly distorted. This plant does not like overwatering but the soil should kept moist to prevent wilting. Complete dryness may lead permanent damage to new growth. Seeds can be collected and dried for the next season. This plant has medicinal value as well. Double petalled varieties are also available but this variety is not common in Pakistan. Photography: Farhan Ahmad |
