Fungal Rust in flower garden!? - Ask Extension
I believe this is a fungal rust it has virtually destroyed most of the mallow(?) in my garden. Should I just dig it all up? And will this be a "f...
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Fungal Rust in flower garden!? #763188
Asked July 22, 2021, 10:09 AM EDT
I believe this is a fungal rust it has virtually destroyed most of the mallow(?) in my garden. Should I just dig it all up? And will this be a "forever" problem, as in it's likely in the soil and I need to replace it with something disease resistant? Thank you so much!
Chittenden County Vermont
Expert Response
Hi Kaija,
THis is a common fungal disease of hollyhocks and they tend to get it every year, although i suspect rainy years are worse. Here is more information:https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/hollyhock-rust/
They mention fungicides as a way to control the disease. If you want to only use organic products, a copper-based fungicide should work. It is too late now but it would be applied next year as the plants are beginning to grow and repeated every 7-10 days.
Good luck,
Ann Hazelrigg
Plant Pathologist
THis is a common fungal disease of hollyhocks and they tend to get it every year, although i suspect rainy years are worse. Here is more information:https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/hollyhock-rust/
They mention fungicides as a way to control the disease. If you want to only use organic products, a copper-based fungicide should work. It is too late now but it would be applied next year as the plants are beginning to grow and repeated every 7-10 days.
Good luck,
Ann Hazelrigg
Plant Pathologist
