What Are Hollyhock Weevils Alleviating Hollyhock Weevil Damage

How do you get rid of weevils on hollyhocks?

Spray insecticidal soap directly on these pests; it will kill them on contact. If caught early in the season, you may be able to prevent them from laying eggs by checking nightly, destroying the pests you find, until no more hollyhock weevils are detected.

What bugs attack hollyhocks?

Hollyhocks are susceptible to attack by three different insects; hollyhock weevils, Japanese beetles and sawflies. The gray-colored weevil looks similar to an overgrown tick with a long snout.

What causes holes in hollyhock leaves?

The hollyhock weevil eats small irregular holes in the leaves while Japanese beetles can riddle the leaves with holes eventually skeletonizing them. Knock these pests into a bucket of soapy water to reduce their population and feeding damage. Caterpillars and sawflies can also eat irregular shaped holes in the leaves.

What is killing my hollyhocks?

A major problem with hollyhocks is a fungal disease called rust which can survive on infected plant parts from year to year. Other pests such as weevils, caterpillars, and slugs can damage or kill your hollyhocks.

Should hollyhocks be cut back?

Hollyhock Pruning Requirements

Hollyhocks are short-lived flowers. ... Although pruning is not required for healthy plants, cutting back the stalks after they flower can encourage them to bloom more than once in a season, advises the University of California Master Gardeners of Napa County.

How do you keep hollyhocks healthy?

Watering: Provide regular water and keep soil moist for starting hollyhocks. However, once well established, they are fairly drought tolerant. Water from below and avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to diseased leaves.

What do you spray Hollyhocks with?

Spraying infested hollyhocks with malathion insecticide kills adult weevils without affecting feeding or pupating larvae. Mix a solution of 1 tablespoon of insecticide concentrate to each gallon of water.

Do hollyhocks need sun or shade?

Hollyhocks are not fussy and survive in many spots but do best in soil that has been amended with compost. They do not like dry soil. With adequate moisture and good drainage, hollyhocks can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Try them in a few different spots in your yard and see where they are happiest.

What animals eat hollyhocks?

If the plants are being chewed off whole or in large pieces, the possible suspects would include groundhogs or woodchucks. These animals are unpredictable and potentially quite dangerous and are best removed by an animal control specialist.

How do you keep hollyhocks from rusting?

How do I avoid problems with hollyhock rust in the future? Remove weedy mallow plants (especially common mallow) from your garden; they can serve as a source of P. malvacearum spores. Also, be sure to remove all hollyhock debris in the fall to eliminate another place where the fungus can overwinter.

Are hollyhocks invasive?

Hollyhock mallow is recommended for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10. Although it is not considered invasive, other Malva species can become weedy and potentially invasive in some areas, so be certain you are purchasing plants or seeds for the desired species.

How do you stop slugs eating hollyhocks?

Here's a summary:

Keep slugs away by planting varieties they don't like eating.
Plant sacrificial plants to tempt slugs away from your favourite flowers.
Physically remove slugs from your garden.
Place beer traps around vulnerable plants.
Surround plants with coffee grounds, copper and gravel mulches.

When should hollyhocks be pruned?

Trim back hollyhocks in spring, pinch back before blooming and deadhead when the flowers fade. Remove diseased leaves as soon as they appear to keep your hollyhocks healthy.

Will hollyhocks spread?

Growing Hollyhock Flowers

Hollyhocks like fertile soil with regular moisture though once established they are drought tolerant. ... Once you get Hollyhocks established you will have them forever. You will have to be sure and dead head them to prevent getting too many, they spread easily but that is all part of gardening.

What do I do with hollyhocks after flowering?

Hollyhocks need very little care. Stake flowering plants and water in dry weather. After flowering. cut the flower spike off once the seeds have dispersed.

Do hollyhocks multiply?

Hollyhocks normally grow as biennials or possibly short lived perennials and thus are traditionally allowed to self sow in order to replenish their patch.

Should I soak hollyhock seeds?

Try soaking the seeds overnight before you plant them. This loosens the outer layer of the seed and allows for better germination. When you plant the seed do not cover it with soil. It needs light to germinate so it is better to put the seed on the ground or growing medium and then press it lightly into the soil.

How do you winterize hollyhocks?

Prune the leaves and stems back to 6 inches (15 cm.) from the ground in fall. The hollyhocks then need a layer of organic material over the root zone to protect them from freezing. Use straw, compost, leaf litter or mulch.

How often do you water hollyhocks?

Water hollyhocks regularly to keep the soil moist.

If it's dry more than 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep, add water around the base of the plant. If you insist on watering on a regular schedule, water them daily for the first few weeks, then roughly twice per week for the rest of the growing season.

Do hollyhocks like acidic soil?

Hollyhock will do well in almost any soil but prefers a well-drained soil with pH 6.0 - 8.0, from slightly acid to alkaline.