Measles?

[Jane the Novice]

Looking at my border from an odd angle thismorning I noticed that the leaves on my Hollyhocks are covered in small red spots. The only theory I can come up with is that something has laid thousands of tiny red eggs all over it. If it is some sort of rust or fungus is there any way of getting rid of it organically? Perhaps this should have gone into the pests and diseases.

[Jane the Novice]

[Mimi]

Looks like rust to me.........sorry.

[Jane the Novice]

If this is the case how do I get rid of it and will it affect other plants in the same bed?

[dibberxxx]

looks like rust to me to Jane hollyhocks are very prone to rust not sure what u do about it think u can get sprays and not sure if it spreads

[Mimi]

I think antifungisides may work, never tried it.  I would just cut off  effected leaves and burn.  Dont let any settle on the ground as this will just sit there ready to do its thing next year.

[Jane the Novice]

Do I need to take it out now as it is in full flower and looks beautiful at the moment? This is the first year I have grown these and they look wonderful. It would be a shame if I had to destroy it now

[Palustris]

If you ever get to Powys Castle gardens (NT property) they have the most fantastic display of Hollyhocks. AND every year they are covered in rust on the leaves. The do not spray, as far as we can gather, since there does not appear to be an effective organic fungicide available. As Mimi suggests, collect up the fallen leaves, remove the worst effected and enjoy the flowers.

[Jane the Novice]

Thankyou one and all. I now feel a lot better :)

[Rosa_Mundi]

I'm not sure there's an effective chemical available, either. It's apparently worse in clean air - I'm fairly rural, and always have it. The best "cure" seems to be to feed and water the plant well - they can do a good job of outgrowing it. As others say, clear any dead leaves.

[Marianne]

Hiya Jane,

I have grown lots of hollyhocks this year and before the buds were even formed, a lot of the leaves were covered in rust.  My books tell me to pull or cut off the affected leaves - it won't harm the plant.
Spraying will not help neither I am afraid - good luck !
;D :D