Common Hollyhock

Alcea rosea is variously described as a biennial (having a two-year life cycle), as an annual, or as a short-lived perennial. It frequently self-sows, which may create a perception that the plants are perennial. The plant may flower during its first year when sown early. It will grow in a wide range of soils, and can easily reach a height of about 8 feet (2.4 m). The flowers are a range of colours from white to dark red, including pink, yellow and orange. Different colours prefer different soils.[citation needed] The darker red variety seems to favour sandy soils, while the lighter colour seems to favour clay soils.