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HISTORICAL PLANTS OF BERGEN

Alcea rosea (the hollyhock)

An ancient medicinal plant, mostly used for soothing the eyes

Alcea rosea
Photo:
Reidun Myking

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The sap of the hollyhock has been known since the 15th century as a soothing and emollient medicine. Planted along the house wall, it was also supposed to protect against lightning strike, but today it is preferably grown for its large, colourful, and often doubled flowers. Along sun-warmed house walls and fences, it is a beautiful sight.

Hollyhocks can be biennial or perennial and will only flower in the second year. Historically, it was often kept indoors as a potted plant. This is known from Bergen before 1714. When the priest Hans Strøm noted it from Sunnmøre in 1762, it seems, however, that it stood in the garden outdoors. We have the variety 'Majorette', a lower, modern variety.

Return to Bergen's plants.