Alcea rosea Alcea rosea Alcea rosea, the common hollyhock, is an ornamental plant in the family Malvaceae. It was imported into Europe from southwestern China during, or possibly before, the 15th century. William Turner, a herbalist of the time, gave it the name "holyoke" from which the English name derives. "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
Zephyranthes rosea "Z. carinata" is often mislabeled as "Z. rosea" by merchants. "Z. carinata" can be distinguished from true "Z. rosea" by their much larger flowers with a deeper pink coloration. "Z. rosea" also has 24 chromosomes in diploid somatic cells, in contrast to 48 in "Z. carinata". Another similar species known under the same common names is "Habranthus robustus". They can be differentiated from "Z. rosea" by having paler pink and larger flowers. "Zephyranthes rosea" is native to Peru and Colombia. It is widely planted in warmer regions around the world and is reportedly naturalized in Florida, India, the West Indies,