Stokrose or Alcea is family of Malvaceae  Alcea rosea is described as a bienniel ( having two year life cycle) as an annual, or as a short lived perennial. The plant may flower during its first year when sown early. It will grow in wide range of soils, and can easily reach a height about 2,4 m. The colors variant from dark red, pink, yellow, and orange. The darker red variety seems to favour sandy oils, while the lighter colors seems to favour clay oils.

In herbal medicine, Hollyhock is believed to be an emolient and laxative. It used to control inflamation to stop bedwetting and as mouthwash.

Thank you so much for such interesting postcard, Annete J