Hollyhock Rust: Prevent Next Year's Outbreak with Fungicide

Orange-Red Spots on Hollyhock Leaves? It's Rust — A Fungal Disease

If your hollyhock leaves show large orangish-red spots, you're dealing with hollyhock rust (Puccinia malvacearum). This fungus overwinters on plant debris and reinfects new growth each spring.

Prevention Starts Now

• Clean up thoroughly: Remove and destroy all infected leaves and stems after frost.
• Apply preventative fungicide: Next spring, as new leaves emerge, spray Daconil (chlorothalonil) or another labeled all-purpose fungicide.
• Repeat every 7–10 days through wet, humid periods — especially when temperatures are 60–80°F.
• Water at soil level — avoid wetting foliage.
• Space plants for good air circulation.

Why This Works

Rust spores need moisture to germinate. Fungicide creates a protective barrier on new leaves before spores land. Combined with sanitation and cultural practices, you can grow clean, tall hollyhocks next season.