What is this on my Hollyhocks?

[DennisArrow]

The pics are of my hollyhock plants. The problem is those yellow/orange spots that you see. That start out about 1mm in size, increase in size and quantity till they cover the leaf, and then it dies. Have sprayed with malathion with zero results........WHAT is it?............What to kill it before it ruins my plants?????? Thanks.....God bless.....Dennis

 

[randy41]

i think its rust. the way to prevent it is to keep the foliage dry. remove all affected leaves. not many organic solutions to diseases once they start. i don't know if there are chems to help.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

i think its rust. the way to prevent it is to keep the foliage dry. remove all affected leaves. not many organic solutions to diseases once they start. i don't know if there are chems to help.

Here's an article on the subject:

To fight hollyhock rust, break disease cycle | North Carolina Cooperative Extension

 

[Western]

I didnt read the article posted by 2lane, but we use a solution of vinegar and water (50/50) on our roses and it helps immensely. until it rains. Changes the PH on the leaf making it hard for some blights/infections to grow.

 

[DennisArrow]

Thanks Guys............guess I will just give up on them and figure out something else to put there instead. This is the first year we have used them.........actually planted seeds last spring (2013), they didn't bloom or really grow and no rust then. The rust appeared this year almost as soon as they put on new growth coming up from the ground..............Thanks.......god bless.....Dennis