Hollyhock Rust

Hollyhock rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia malvacearum. The undersides of infected leaves show raised brown spots about the size of a pinhead. The upper leaf surfaces usually show a yellow to orange discoloration above the brown spots. Infected areas may run together and destroy large portions of the leaf. Stems may also be infected.

To control rust on hollyhock, remove the first leaves on which rust is evident. Spraying with a fungicide, such as Daconil 2787, can be effective. Sprays should start when the new growth appears in the spring and repeated 7 to 10 days apart. When the flowering season is over, cut the plants back to the base and destroy the infected plant parts.



This article originally appeared in the June 16, 1995 issue, p. 89.

Authors:

Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Horticulture and Home Pest News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on June 16, 1995. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.