Holes and eaten away leaves on Hollyhocks

Discussion in 'Other Plants' started by Shaneoak, Aug 6, 2021.

  1. Shaneoak

    Shaneoak Gardener

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    Hi

    My potted Holkyhocks have started to develop these mysterious eaten leaves and holes. I’ve put slug pellets but can’t see any slug evidence. Can’t see any caterpillars either. There’s also slight white dust under a couple of leaves that have ever so slightly yellowed lower leaves .any thoughts ? C2F15040-32DD-4987-B911-A00E512F71B3.jpeg

    These plants are like my babies as I’m determined to plant a row of double flowers hollyhocks for 2022!
     
  2. Nikolaos

    Nikolaos Total Gardener

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    I'm having similar problems with mine @Shaneoak, I suspect that the best thing is to put them in their eventual positions in the ground but this is my first time trying them, that way you end up with larger plants that can withstand more adversity. I've never seen them thrive in containers, put it that way! :dunno:

    Will be very interested to see what experienced growers say! :)

    Nick
     
  3. Shaneoak

    Shaneoak Gardener

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    hey- So have yours been eaten too? I've read that Hollyhocks are prone to alot of issues. My seem to be doing great otherwise in the pots. I do need to plant them out asap though.
     
  4. Nikolaos

    Nikolaos Total Gardener

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    Yup, something's definitely had a good nibble! I've only purchased one plant as I just want one in a border to provide a touch of burgundy. It's Alcea rosea 'Nigra', I'm hoping it self-seeds after flowering.

    Nick
     
  5. Cordy

    Cordy Super Gardener

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    My Hollyhocks are grown mostly in large pots
    Small pot -- small plant
    Recent photos including Chaters double bought as plug plants last year from eBay
    One lcea rosea 'Nigra'
    01chaters double.jpg
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    • Cordy

      Cordy Super Gardener

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      One more piccy
      DSC_0015.JPG
       
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      • Shaneoak

        Shaneoak Gardener

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        Oh they look lovely. So what inch pot do you put them in ?
         
      • Shaneoak

        Shaneoak Gardener

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        I think o caught the culprit! The lemon tree and clematis have been eaten too and today I saw little green catapillars on them! I’ll snap a pic , I bet it’s them eating hollyhocks too . Not sure what type though
         
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        • Nikolaos

          Nikolaos Total Gardener

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          :blue thumb: That's what I thought with both yours and mine, caterpillars not slugs as the damage didn't look right for them, trouble is when I Googled pest damage on hollyhocks it just came up without telling you which was which, so I couldn't confirm it! I'll take a photo of mine tomorrow. :)

          Nick
           
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          • Nikolaos

            Nikolaos Total Gardener

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            Planted my Alcea rosea 'Nigra' today, a few nibbles on about half of the leaves but also about four new shoots from the base, I think it'll be fine. I'm guessing the damage is older as the smaller leaves haven't been chewed. :smile::dunno:

            Nick

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            • Cordy

              Cordy Super Gardener

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              Hollyhocks
              I mix Blood, fish and bone fertiliser into a multi purpose potting compost and occasionally feed with a liquid tomato plant feed

              ....size of pot ?
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              • Shaneoak

                Shaneoak Gardener

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                Brilliant. Thanks for that. Gives me some idea of pot size. Mine are in a 9 cm pot at moment. I’ll take a pic
                 
              • Shaneoak

                Shaneoak Gardener

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                It looks pretty attacked ! Did you get a pic of the critter responsible?
                 
              • Nikolaos

                Nikolaos Total Gardener

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                No, but I haven't seen any nibbling for a few weeks, so I'm optimistic. :biggrin:

                Nick
                 
                Last edited: Aug 10, 2021
              • Cordy

                Cordy Super Gardener

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                Six Hollyhock plug plants arrived today, via eBay
                I will be trying to save and sow seeds this Autumn
                The p/plants are just insurance
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