A symbol of simple love in the language of flowers, hollyhock (Alcea rosea) - also called papal rose - is a perennial plant of the Malvaceae family. This plant, typical of country gardens, also grows against the walls of houses in French villages. Its average height ranges between 4.9 and 8.2 ft (1.5 and 2.5 m), and its basifugal flowering (i.e. from the base to the top) with large corollas in various colors enchants passers-by from late spring to summer or even early autumn. All parts of the hollyhock are edible, and its flowers have medicinal applications known since ancient times.