Hollyhock Disease - Ask Extension
I planted hollyhock last year that is taking off this year. It is densely planted with irises. Most of the hollyhock leaves have spots on them. Some h...
Knowledgebase
Hollyhock Disease #935813
Asked June 17, 2026, 8:48 AM EDT
I planted hollyhock last year that is taking off this year. It is densely planted with irises. Most of the hollyhock leaves have spots on them. Some have holes. The lower the leaves are, the worse they look. Can you help me identify what’s wrong and how to fix it?
Eaton County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
This is rust on hollyhock, a common problem.
Good air circulation is important. So, thin the plants as much as you can. Hollyhocks are biennial so the ones blooming now are not likely to come back next year. When planting new ones, locate them in a place with good air circulation.
If you water, water from below and early in the day so sun drys off leaves quickly.
Do not work in the foliage when it is wet.
When leaves are dry, prune off all affected leaves, bag and throw away in trash.. Use a fungicide on leaves that are still healthy, treat tops and bottoms.
Here is a bulletin with details- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/hollyhock-rust/
This is rust on hollyhock, a common problem.
Good air circulation is important. So, thin the plants as much as you can. Hollyhocks are biennial so the ones blooming now are not likely to come back next year. When planting new ones, locate them in a place with good air circulation.
If you water, water from below and early in the day so sun drys off leaves quickly.
Do not work in the foliage when it is wet.
When leaves are dry, prune off all affected leaves, bag and throw away in trash.. Use a fungicide on leaves that are still healthy, treat tops and bottoms.
Here is a bulletin with details- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/hollyhock-rust/
