What Is the Difference Between Mallow and Hollyhock? Latest Comparison Analysis
Hollyhock is a common flowering potted plant in daily life, deeply loved by everyone for its unique flower shape and bright colors, but many people often confuse it with mallow. Although the two look very similar, careful observation will still reveal their differences? Let's take a look together with the editor at the differences between mallow and hollyhock.
1. Family and genus differences
Mallow is a plant belonging to the family Malvaceae and the genus Malva, while hollyhock is a plant belonging to the family Malvaceae and the genus Alcea. Their relationship is like half-brothers, sharing the same family and genus, but growing in different places. Their flowering periods are also different. Hollyhock generally blooms from June to August, while mallow has a longer flowering period, from May to October.
2. Plant type differences
Mallow and hollyhock look quite similar, but upon careful observation, their planted appearances still differ somewhat. Mallow is a biennial plant, and there are also perennial upright herbaceous types, with many side branches that look very lush. The plant reaches a maximum height of about 50-90 cm, and at most will not exceed 1 m. Hollyhock is different. It is a biennial upright herbaceous plant, but it can grow up to 2 m tall, with stems and branches that are densely covered in prickly hairs.
3. Leaf differences
Mallow leaves are mostly round, and many are kidney-shaped, with leaf tips gradually becoming pointed, and the petioles are also very short. Hollyhock leaves are fuller, and the leaf shape is also nearly round, very full. Both sides of the leaves have hairs, and the leaf tip has three small points. Even the petiole is longer than that of mallow.
4. Petal differences
What makes mallow and hollyhock most difficult to tell apart is their flowers. Mallow flowers are relatively small, with slightly monotonous flower colors, the most common being purple-pink. Hollyhock flowers are slightly larger, and their colors are also richer, including not only white and red, but also pink and yellow.
The above is an introduction to the differences between mallow and hollyhock. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.