Hollyhock is said to have around 60 different species of flowering plants which can be perennial, biennial or annual depending on the varieties. The flowers are arranged on a spire in singles or doubles and can be of pink, purple, red, yellow, or white shades, blooming from July to September. The single flower contains five petals, and these attractive flowers allure hummingbirds which help in the pollination of the flowers.

The hollyhock plant can grow to an average height of about 3 metres. The leaves are round, broad and are arranged in a palmate manner. This woody perennial herb can be found in southwest and central Asia. Hollyhock can survive extreme drought conditions and requires bright sunlight for growing well. In Virginia, hollyhocks are found to thrive well under walnut trees.

Hollyhock is not known for any herbal use. The flowers are only popular for their stately look and quintessential beauty. They are well known as garden plants and are used for landscaping.

The Tokugawa family in Japan bore a seal which depicted a stylized and symmetrical hollyhock. It is also used as a reference to the period of this dynasty’s rule in Japan.