Hollyhocks are mostly evergreen and stay alive mostly all winter but in some climates the Hollyhocks can die down a bit in winter and then return to life during the spring and summertime.
The basal foliage of the Hollyhocks can turn brown or look brown at the edges during the end of winter but they should return to normal during the warmer months.
Even in colder climates that get snow the snow can protect the plant and prevent the Hollyhocks from dying out during the winter.