Hollyhock Alcea rosea 'Halo White' (Halo Series)

Names

• Family

  Malvaceae

• Synonyms

  Hollyhock, Halo White Hollyhock, Halo Series Hollyhock

• Common names

  Alcea rosea 'Halo White'

Toxicity

• To humans

  The most common common name for Alcea rosea 'Halo White' is hollyhock. Hollyhocks are generally not considered toxic to humans. They do not contain significant quantities of compounds known to cause poisoning in humans, and there is limited information regarding their toxicity. Therefore, typical ingestion of parts of this plant is not expected to cause severe symptoms. However, as with any non-food plant, consumption is not advised, and sensitive individuals may experience mild stomach upset if ingested.

• To pets

  The most common common name for Alcea rosea 'Halo White' is hollyhock. Hollyhocks are not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. They are not listed on the toxic plant lists maintained by major animal welfare organizations such as the ASPCA. Therefore, ingestion of hollyhocks by pets is unlikely to cause poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, pet owners should prevent their animals from eating large amounts of any plant material, which could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or obstruction.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Biennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)

• Spread

  2 feet (0.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3-9

• Native area

  Asia Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds, which helps in pollination and supports biodiversity.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Alcea rosea 'Halo White' has beautiful large white flowers with a dark center, adding charm to gardens.
• Tall Vertical Accent: The plant grows to a height of up to 6-8 feet, providing a striking vertical element in landscape design.
• Cottage Garden Style: Ideal for cottage gardens, its blooms contribute to the classic, informal garden look many desire.
• Easy to Grow: It is relatively easy to cultivate in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
• Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns each year, saving the cost and effort of replanting annually.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is moderately tolerant of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering under the right conditions.
• Cut Flowers: The flowers are suitable for cutting, making them a lovely addition to fresh floral arrangements.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food for wildlife, playing a role in the ecological health of a garden ecosystem.
• Privacy Screen: Its height can potentially be used to create a natural privacy screen in garden spaces.

Medical Properties

• There is no well-documented evidence that Alcea rosea 'Halo White' (commonly known as Hollyhock) is used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Dye Production: The petals of the hollyhock can be used to make a natural dye, which can color fabrics and handicrafts in shades of pale yellow to green.
• Livestock Feed: In some regions, the leaves of hollyhocks are used as a feed for livestock, although it is not a common practice.
• Companion Planting: Hollyhocks can serve in companion planting by attracting pollinators that are beneficial to nearby fruit and vegetable crops.
• Erosion Control: The deep roots of hollyhocks can help in stabilizing the soil, making it a potential plant for erosion control in some landscapes.
• Biodegradable Cups: Hollowed hollyhock stems have been traditionally used as containers or cups for holding small items or even as a form of disposable tablewares in rustic settings.
• Natural Mulch: Once the plant has died back, the remaining biomass can be used as a natural mulch to enrich the soil and suppress weeds in garden beds.
• Culinary Garnish: While not commonly known for their edibility, the flowers can be used as a decorative and potentially edible garnish on salads and desserts.
• Paper Making: The fibers from hollyhock stems can be incorporated into homemade paper making processes, offering texture and interest to the finished product.
• Photographic Imagery: The unique form and color of hollyhock flowers can be used in a technique called 'flower pounding' to create natural imprints on fabric or paper for artistic projects.
• Floral Jewelry: The individual hollyhock petals can be used to make delicate floral jewelry, such as earrings or pendants, when preserved in resin or other mediums.

Feng Shui

The Hollyhock is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Hollyhock is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Fertility: Alcea rosea, commonly known as Hollyhock, is often associated with fertility due to its prolific seed production and ability to reseed itself efficiently.
• Succession: Hollyhocks have a biennial lifecycle, symbolizing continuity and the concept of succession, as they typically grow leaves in the first year and flower in the second.
• Heartiness: As a resilient plant that can thrive in challenging conditions, Hollyhock represents strength and the ability to endure difficult circumstances.
• Generosity: The abundant blooms of the Hollyhock stand for generosity, with the plant willing to share its beauty abundantly and freely.
• Femininity: The delicate blossoms and traditional use in cottage gardens have led Hollyhocks to be symbols of female energy and delicate beauty.
• Survival: Able to grow in a variety of soils and conditions, the Hollyhock symbolizes the ability to survive and even flourish in less than ideal conditions.
• Ambition: The tall spires of the Hollyhock flowers reach upwards, symbolizing ambition and the desire to achieve greater heights.
• Breath: The name 'Halo White' from the Halo Series can also evoke a sense of spirituality and purity, akin to a halo or an aura, representing breath, life force, or spiritual energy.