HOLLYHOCK (from M.E. holi —doubtless because brought from the Holy Land, where it is indigenous (Wedg. ) —and A.-S. hoc, a mallow), Althaea rosea, L., a perennial plant of the natural order Malvaceae and tribe Malveae, a native of the East, has been cultivated in Great Britain for about three centuries. The ordinary hollyhock is single-blossomed, but the florists’ varieties have all double flowers, of white, yellow, rose, purple, violet, and other tints, some being almost black. The plant is in its prime about August, but .by careful managemerrt examples may be obtained in blossom from July to as late as November. Hollyhocks are propagated from seed, or by division of the root, or by planting out in rich sandy soil, in a close frame, with a gentle bottom heat, single eyes from woodshoots, or cuttings from outgrowths of the old stock or of the lateral offsets of the spike. The seed may be sown in October under cover, the plants obtained being potted in November, and kept under glass till the following April, or, if it be late-gathered, in May or June, in the open ground, whence, if required, the plants are best removed in October or April. Seedlings may also be raised in February or March, by the aid of a gentle heat, in a light and rich moist soil; they should - not be watered till they have made their second leaves, and when large enough for handling should be pricked off in a cold frame; they are subsequently transferred to the flower-bed. Hollyhocks thrive best in a well-trenched and manured sandy loam. The spikes as they grow must be staked; aud water and, for the finest blossoms, liquid manure should be liberally supplied to the roots. Plants for exhibition require pruning of side growths; and it is recommended, when the flowering is over, and the stalks have ...