Gardening

Question

This is the first year that I planted Hollyhocks. I have been pleased with the progress of the plants, not expecting any blooms until next year. The good new is I have two blooms. The bad news is (and he reason I am writing) is that practically all the leaves, the top anf bottom, are infested with something. My husband thinks they are eggs of some parasite. Can anyone help? In the meantime I have sprayed with Dipel, Bacillus thuringiensis, hoping this may help.

Patti Gallagher · Answer

Check out Jerry Baker's site for homemade safe pest sprays.. Try dish soap and water also.

Cheryl Eisel-Long · Answer

Help answer this question...I agree with Patti. I would spray with Dawn & water mixed together. And check out Jerry Bakers site.

Jill Nelson · Answer

The link below is for the UGA Extension Service. They probably offer free advice for problems like this. Call them. http://extension.uga.edu/garden/garden-fruits-vegetables/

Liliana Wells · Answer

Thank you Patti and Cheryl. I will try that suggestion.

Andi hurtig · Answer

I agree with the above suggestions. Seems to me my hollyhocks always had 'the crud' under their leaves - which didn't stop them from blooming, spreading - in fact, they thrived!

Andi hurtig · Answer

Table 1: Approximate mix to produce various dilute soap sprays.Percent dilution desiredApproximate amount of soap to add to water to produce:GallonQuartPint12 1/2 Tbsp (-)2 tsp (+)1 tsp (+)25 Tbsp (-)4 tsp (+)2 tsp (+)38 Tbsp (+)2 Tbsp (+)1 Tbsp (+)410 Tbsp (-)2 1/2 Tbsp (+)4 tsp (+)(+) Will produce a solution of slightly higher concentration than indicated.
(-) Will produce a solution of slightly lower concentration than indicated.

Douglas Hunt · Answer

Dipel is a caterpillar control. Your hollyhocks have rust, which is a fungal disease that they are extremely susceptible to. You need to remove the affected leaves and use a fungicide. If you want to go an organic route, try one with neem oil. It is very important that you completely cut down your hollyhocks at the end of the season and dispose of all the foliage. Do not compost it.

Carol S · Answer

@Douglas Hunt This is good to know - my daughter found one growing out from under the Latice work near her Porch - First year in bloom.

Teri Tripp-Lanciault · Answer

Oh, Carol S...I love yellow holly hocks. I had hocks all along the front of my house and they looked awesome. Then, I dont know what happened, but over the course of a few years, I am down to one! I dont get it, they used to self sow. *Blatent hint* 
 (I would be most happy to send postage if I could get some seeds!)

Liliana Wells · Answer

Thank you everyone for taking the time to answer.

Amanda Eastman · Answer

I had the same thing happen to mine.

Julie J · Answer

Happened to me too. My hollyhock was huge and beautiful, loaded with blooms. Then came the rust and it completely died. I planted a russian sage in it's place and it is fine.

Julie J · Answer

Here's what they looked like. A moment of silence, please. Sniff, sniff.

Julie J · Answer

@Liliana, I've had similar issues with my clematis which is close to this hollyhock. I don't think it's related but sure is frustrating.

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