The hollyhock is a tall flowering plant belonging to the genus Alcea that is a traditional favorite of English cottagers. The plant has been cultivated in England since at least the Middle Ages, but is native to China. Hollyhocks are available in annual, biennial, and perennial varieties with blooms in several different colors, including white, yellow, pink, lavender, red, and even black. Multiple blossoms generally form on each plant and extend out individually from the thick, hairy stem on short peduncles. The flowers grow to about 3 inches in diameter and feature five large petals.