Hollyhocks and rust

I am growing Hollyhocks for, effectively, the first time, and they are just starting to flower but ,of course, have got rust. Its my own fault - I meant to spray them much earlier and forgot.

My questions are:- what do other people do about rust? Is there anything that is particularly effective? I virtually never spray, so I am not up with the sprays available. However I recently noted that there was a bug spray that was systemic (ie absorbed by the plant, and which spreads through it). It was supposed to last for several weeks. Is there any such thing for rust? In the absence of that, how often should I spray? And are there any Hollyhock strains that are less susceptable to rust? And does spraying really stop it? And are they really worth all the trouble?

Also, how perennial are Hollyhocks? I am currently treating them as a biennial, and have already got plants growing for next year. And how long do they flower for?

 

Peter, Im fairly certain bayer do a systemic fungicide. I spray with nimrod T, this is a pro use chemical and im fairly sure its now actually been withdrawn !!

To be efective you need to start spraying the leaves fortnightly as soon as they open just like with roses

They are perenial and come back year after year.

 

I do it every year-forget to spray them that is.

I have direct sowed some resistant to rust-cant remember thename but they are T&M seeds-could try googling them.

 

Mine are terrible for this, I have sprayed them a couple of times this year however just got back from holiday and they have lost most of their leaves - I have a systemic fungicide in a green bottle (called fungus fighter I think?) however I don't think it lasts on the plant that long as the rust keeps coming back - such a shame as they are lovely plants - I think they are hardy perenials Peter - mine have come back.

Are they worth it - umm I ask myself the same question, with the rust and snail damage, they are not the most attractive plants in my garden at the moment! - That said I planted these last year and they have been nothing but trouble, previously I had some old syle ones in the garden (single blooms - which I actually prefer to the ruffled ones) which were beautiful and didn't seem to have any problems.

Good luck with them.

 

Many thanks to you all for your helpful comments. I have also done a bit of googling and with your help am getting more of a feel for the subject.

Part of my confusion was that different sources said Alcea rosea (Hollyhock) are biennial, short lived perennials, and perennial. I have discovered that some species are true biennials and even some annuals. But my RHS book sums it up saying that Alcea rosea is perennial, but best to grow as a biennial to reduce the problem of rust.

Many different sprays are suggested. But Progard put his finger on it by saying that you have to spray every fortnight from virtually day one. I feared this might be the case, but was hopeing otherwise. As they are so tall, the books tell you to put them at the back of the border - but that's not the most conveniant for spraying!

I now understand the biennial referance, and am inclined to continue to grow them as biennials. One item I found said "Another option is to choose varieties of Alceas which have some resistance to Hollyhock Rust such as Alcea rugosa – the Russian Hollyhock or Alcea filicifolia Antwerp". http://www.mgovens.freeserve.co.uk/alcea rugosa.htm ... http://www.twenga.co.uk/offer/139608568.html

 

I grow the Antwerp type (because of rust) and they seem fairly resiliant. Just a few spots on the leaves.

 

Thanks Cajary - thats very interesting. I was looking at mine again today and decided that they were a total disaster, the rust has made them so ugly and unhealthy looking that I really don't want them in the garden.

I will have a go with the Antwerp type. Do they just come in the dark colours?

 

Just to add to the tales of woe, I grew hollihocks last year for the first time from seed planted the previous year. They are bigger than I expected, 7-8 feet tall, the flowers are terrific but it's impossible to ignore the whole plant which is ungainly, riddled with snail damage and rampant rust, the same thing this year as last year. My conclusion is the same, that sadly they will have to go and I feel the same, that it is a shame but they look a mess.

 

i planted a hollyhock i got at lidl,it was just labelled "Alcea" in march/april, i think there was 3 pieces of root ? and only one came up ,i have never grown them before,and it is now 4ft tall and has the most beautiful white flowers,will it come again next year

 

It should do Pam, if you cut the stem close to the base after it has finished flowering, you could also collect and dry some of the seeds if you are happy with the plant but they will not flower in the first year. Sounds as though you and cajary are the only satisfied customers, good luck with your alcea.