Hollyhock |
|
| Common Name | Hollyhock |
| Scientific Name | Alcea rosea |
| Common names for the Hollyhock are Althea Rose, Malva Flowers, Rose Mallow, Purple Malva. The flower of the hollyhock is cultivated for its beauty as well as its medicinal qualities. The plant is not known in the wild and is thought to have arisen in cultivation. The Egyptians used the leaves in cookery. Hollyhocks were brought to Europe at the time of the Crusades, and were cultivated in France by the Duke of Orleans, and in England by Lord Burlington. Tea made from the blossoms is believed to soothe inflammation of the mouth and throat, and a vapour bath of it is thought helpful for earaches. The tea is also said to be beneficial for chest complaints and an aid to digestion. | |
| Plant | Biennial. Both leaves and flowers cover the length of the tall, hairy unbranched stem. The 3- to 4-inch broad flowers appear from July to September and come in shades of red, purple, white, yellow, maroon, and salmon. They may have one or two sets of petals. |
| Height | Usually 5 to 6 feet tall, but can reach 15 feet. |
| Soil | Deep, rich, well-drained. |
| Exposure | Full or partial sun. Prefers a warm location sheltered from the wind. |
| Propagation | Seeds planted during the third or fourth lunar phase germinate easily in about 5 days. Or, suckers can be taken from near the roots. Hollyhock self-seeds easily. |
| Care | Space mature plants about 2 feet apart. If planted in unprotected spots, stalks should be supported. Plants propagated from self-seeding can be moved to a permanent place in spring. If not being grown as annuals, mound up soil around the plants to prevent winterkill. |
| Part used for Tea | Flowers. |
| Taste | The whole-flower tea can be tart and bitter. Petal tea, however, is tangy without bitterness, and most refreshing. |
| How to Brew | BY INFUSION: 1 teaspoon of dried flowers or petals, or 3 teaspoons of fresh flowers or petals, to each cup of boiling water. Steep to taste. |
Copyright © 2008 My Herbal Wellbeing