Last Updated on January 11, 2022 by Real Men Sow
Rust fungus can be described as the curse of hollyhocks. Many times, the undersides of leaves are covered with bright yellow or orange rust spots. On the upper surface, there are corresponding beige-yellow spots. It eventually the rust affects the entire plant and causes the leaves to begin to fall from the base. In extreme cases, the stem may also become infected and the entire plant could die.
Hollyhock Rust Symptoms
On stems and foliage, orange-brown spots may appear. Sometimes leaves may drop and die, which can weaken the plant and lead to death.
Organic Way To Get Rid of Rust
As soon as you notice the fungus, remove infected leaves. Just like when monstera adansonii turn yellow, clear out infected leaves during winter when the hollyhock has died down. Common mallow and hollyhock weeds are also susceptible to rust, so remove them from your garden.
Chemical Way To Get Rid of Hollyhock Rust
Spray plants with a systemic fungicide every two weeks starting in the spring.
How To Treat Hollyhocks with Rust
Hollyhock rusts happen mainly in humid areas such as the southeast where this weather is persistent over the whole summer. If you are living in a humid and hot place, here are some tips to treat your hollyhock plant. Make sure you try a combination of these steps to get the best results so you don’t have to deal with hollyhock rust anymore.
Tips To Remove Hollyhock Rust
- Pick off the rusted leaves and burn or seal them in a plastic bag and discard them.
- Make sure you weeding your plants and keep the soli free of debris.
- Last year’s spores could emerge again so just apply thick mulch on your hollyhock.
- Water well! What we mean here is that you should apply water on the soil and not the leaves. If you are preferring water sprays, then spray water on the soil.
- Ensure air circulation. Moisture builds up if the plant is facing the wall all the time. Consider moving your plant on center table.
- Use fungicides, such as Chlorothalonil or sulfur, if the hollyhock rust still does not go away. Apply them every seven to 10 days or more often if it rains.
