Hard-hit hollyhocks

[autumn leaf]

Earlier this year I bought 4 hollyhock plants from the local garden centre.  I have never grown them before and was going for the cottage garden look.  They grew at a good rate but then the lower leaves started to go brown and die.  This happened to all 4 plants.  I picked off the dead leaves and burnt them.  I guess it is some sort of rust or blight - can anyone tell me what it is and what I can do about it?  Amazingly, minus most of their leaves, the plants are now starting to flower and have a beautiful pink double flower.  Will they survive next year?  :'(

[autumn leaf]

[Palustris]

It is as you suggested Rust. Hollyhocks are very very prone to this fungus. There is no cure, other than to take off the affected leaves as you have done and burn them. The plants will continue to flower. If you ever get the opportunity go to Powys Castle and look at their Hollyhock border. By the end of the season I do not think there is one leaf left, but the flowers, oooooooh. Save your seeds and grow them afresh for next year.

[autumn leaf]

Thanks Palustris I'll certainly have a go with the seed because the flowers are really lovely.  By the way, I had a look at your garden photos - Wow! What a creation - you must feel proud.

[Palustris]

Blush :-[ but glad you like it.

[Wicker]

My first year with hollyhocks (well since choldhood!) and I was taken aback by the rusty leaves at first but have also just removed them and enjoyed the glorious flowering spikes.  Of course these are perenniaL (I hope) but am sure I read somewhere that there are now shorter versions which are annual is that right?  Mind you I like perennial flowers.

[autumn leaf]

Haven't heard of the shorter, annual ones Wicker.  I thought that mine were perennials - have to wait and see but I will save some seed anyway.  I planted them alongside some lupins and am quite pleased with the result in spite of the horrid rust!