Definition

Noun: 1. A tall flowering plant: Alcea rosea is the botanical name for the common garden hollyhock, a biential or short-lived perennial plant known for its tall spikes of large, showy flowers.

Usage and Examples

• is a classic choice for adding height and color to the back of a flower border.
• The seeds of can be sown directly in the garden in spring or autumn.
• Many cultivars of have been developed, offering flowers in a wide range of colors.

Advanced Usage

• In Botanical/Horticultural Context: The term is used for precise scientific classification and distinction from other species within the genus, such as or .
  • Example: While both are beautiful, Alcea rosea is more susceptible to rust fungus than some other hollyhock species.

Variants and Related Words

• Hollyhock (n): The common name for .
• Alcea (n): The genus name to which this species belongs.

Synonyms

• Hollyhock
• Common hollyhock

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning of is as the specific Latin binomial (genus and species) for the common hollyhock plant. It carries no idiomatic or figurative meanings and is used almost exclusively in scientific, gardening, and botanical contexts to ensure accurate identification.

Noun

1. plant with terminal racemes of showy white to pink or purple flowers; the English cottage garden hollyhock