Hello Lynne,

Hollyhock (Acer rosea) are favorite food of many insects. Read more here: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j240

It would appear that your hollyhock is being visited by Japanese beetles. Japanese beetles lay their eggs in the lawn. The eggs hatch into larva/grubs which munch on turf grass roots before they emerge as beetles, usually around the end of June. The easiest way to manage the adult beetles is by knocking them into a jar of soapy water. In the evening when the beetles are on the plant but kind of drowsy knock them into the jar of soapy water. To learn more about Japanese beetles and how to manage them, read this article: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/japanese-beetles

I hope this helps you with your plant.

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.