Translation guide
A tall flowering plant with large showy blooms, often found in gardens. In Japanese, the most common word is タチアオイ, but other related plants may be called アオイ.
タチアオイ
hollyhock (common garden plant)
The typical tall hollyhock with spikes of large flowers, often seen in cottage gardens.
The standard Japanese name for the common hollyhock. Literally 'standing hollyhock', referring to its tall, upright flower spikes.
庭にタチアオイが咲いている。
Hollyhocks are blooming in the garden.
A loanword from English, sometimes used in gardening contexts or by enthusiasts. Less common than タチアオイ.
ホリホックは夏に花を咲かせる。
Hollyhocks bloom in summer.
Some related plants, like the rose of Sharon or other mallows, may be referred to as hollyhock in English, but have different Japanese names.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), a shrub with hollyhock-like flowers. Often called 'hollyhock' in older English texts, but botanically distinct.
ムクゲは夏から秋にかけて花を咲かせる。
The rose of Sharon blooms from summer to fall.
A general term for plants in the mallow family, including hollyhocks. Can refer to various species, so context is needed.
If you want to be specific about the tall, single-stemmed hollyhock (Alcea rosea), use タチアオイ. アオイ can refer to many plants in the family, including hollyhocks, but is less precise.
Plants in the mallow family produce beautiful flowers.