Hollyhock, Pest problem? Damaged leaves. HELP

[Carol Dee]

O.K. the Hollyhocks look great until you get close. All the lower leaves look like this. Is it a bug? (I think so.)

Look good at a distance.

Leaves from the top.

Under side- bumps.

 

[Carol Dee]

These look awful, I would REALLY like someone smart (like all of you!) to help. PLEASE....

 

[Collector]

Carol, I have no Idea what is causing that it sure doesnt look healthy though. I will help keep it in circulation.

 

[curly_kate]

I have the same thing on my malva, which is a relation of hollyhock. I'm pretty sure it's rust. Unfortunately, I was told mine were too far gone, and I'd have to rip them out because they would have rust every year. The rest of your plants look a lot better than mine, tho.

 

[catjac1975]

Rust is a common problem on both plants. I see no need to rip out the plants. Take off and destroy the damaged leaves. Milk or baking soda spray may halt it's progression.

I have the same thing on my malva, which is a relation of hollyhock. I'm pretty sure it's rust. Unfortunately, I was told mine were too far gone, and I'd have to rip them out because they would have rust every year. The rest of your plants look a lot better than mine, tho.

 

[Carol Dee]

Thanks Cat. When I 1st saw the problem I stripped all the affected leaves and hoped the plant would survive) as you can see it did. But the new growth is *Rusty* now. I think I will pick off and destroy the bad leaves, spray with milk and hope for the best. Just to be safe I will dig out these plants at end of blooming season and burn. Hopefully the seeds will produce plants WITHOUT rust.

 

[lesa]

Mine look the same...

 

[thistlebloom]

CarolDee, rust spores live in the soil, so a thick layer of mulch around your hollyhocks will keep rain from splashing it up on the leaves and stalks. Use fresh mulch every year. Disposing of the infected leaves as you did can help control it too. Yours are beautiful in spite of the rust!

 

[Carol Dee]

CarolDee, rust spores live in the soil, so a thick layer of mulch around your hollyhocks will keep rain from splashing it up on the leaves and stalks. Use fresh mulch every year. Disposing of the infected leaves as you did can help control it too. Yours are beautiful in spite of the rust!

Thanks for the advice thistle. I have never mulched and this is the 1st time I have seen the rust problem We have some mulch left from a garden path project. I will bring back and put around the plants.

 

[ninnymary]

Mine get rust also but I just don't worry about it. Too much work to spray.

Mary