Hollyhock rust - Ask Extension
Hello,
What more can I do about hollyhock rust? I cut off the lowest leaves around June 1. On the plant pictured, the rust spread even more. The o...
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Hollyhock rust #873112
Asked June 14, 2024, 12:52 PM EDT
Hello,
What more can I do about hollyhock rust? I cut off the lowest leaves around June 1. On the plant pictured, the rust spread even more. The other hollyhocks have some rust, but not nearly as much.
They are on a rocky slope facing East, with some shade from pine trees.
Every year, some rust appears, but this seems to be the worst ever. Due to rain?
Can I wait for all to bloom? Do I remove this one plant entirely and burn it? How can I try to prevent this next year?
Please see photo attached.
Thank you.
Steele County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Cecilia,
I'm afraid there is not a lot you can do at this point. The wet weather (that continues) has been quite conducive to fungal issues. Better air flow in the future seasons would probably help. Actually starting over in another site is probably the best thing to do. Don't use seeds from these plants.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/hollyhock-rust/
Good luck,
Sally Granath
St. Louis County MG