Hollyhocks are certainly beautiful flowers with their tall, spiky stalks and brightly colored blooms, so it's interesting to consider why they might not be more popular.
One reason could be that they can be somewhat challenging to grow. As you mentioned, it can take two years for the plants to flower, which can be a bit of a commitment for some gardeners. Additionally, hollyhocks are prone to several common garden pests and diseases, such as rust and spider mites, which can be frustrating to deal with.
Another possible reason for their lack of popularity is that they may be seen as old-fashioned or outdated by some gardeners. Hollyhocks have been grown in gardens for centuries and were particularly popular in cottage gardens and other traditional garden styles. As gardening trends have shifted toward more modern and minimalist styles, hollyhocks may have fallen out of favor with some gardeners.
Despite these challenges, many gardeners still love hollyhocks for their beauty and charm. If you're interested in growing them, I encourage you to give it a try! With a bit of patience and care, you can enjoy the gorgeous blooms of hollyhocks in your garden.