what pests 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. The mouth on the snout bores through the flower buds so the female can lay eggs.

What bug is eating my hollyhocks?

Hollyhock Weevil Damage

Weevil pests on hollyhocks cause only minor visual damage, chewing small holes in hollyhock leaves and flowers. ... Larval hollyhock weevils develop within the hollyhock seed pods, using embryonic seeds for food.

What do you spray Hollyhocks with?

If these remedies fail, you can spray with environmentally-safe insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Spray with pyrethrin, carbaryl or acephate only as a last resort, as these broad spectrum insecticides can also kill any beneficial insects residing in the garden.

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.

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.

What animals will eat hollyhocks?

Hollyhocks are favored by slugs, cutworms, and leaf eating insects. You need to know which you have to know what to do. The slugs (or snails) usually leave roundish holes in the middles of leaves.

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.

How do you keep hollyhocks healthy?

Tips for Maintaining Your Hollyhocks

Plant Hollyhocks in a Suitable Location. Hollyhock's relish full sunlight with balanced soil that drains efficiently. ...
Water Hollyhocks Regularly. ...
Fertilizer Use. ...
Companion Planting. ...
Remove Spent Blossoms. ...
Prune Your Hollyhocks. ...
Winterizing Your Hollyhocks.

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.

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 deal with Rusty hollyhocks?

The fungicides tebuconazole (Provanto Fungus Fighter Concentrate), tebuconazole with trifloxystrobin (Provanto Fungus Fighter Plus, Toprose Fungus Control & Protect), and triticonazole (Fungus Clear Ultra) are approved for the control of rust diseases on ornamental plants, and can be used against hollyhock rust.

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 cure Rusty hollyhocks?

When you first notice rust spots, pick off the leaves and either burn them or seal them in a plastic bag and discard them. Keep the soil around the plants free of debris, and keep the garden weed free. Spread a thick layer of mulch under the plants to prevent last year's spores from re-emerging.

What do slugs hate?

There are a handful of plants which are believed to be a natural repellent for slugs. What you need: Slug repelling plants “ Living Green suggest that wormwood, rue, fennel, anise, and rosemary are the best slug repelling plants.

What is the best slug killer?

Eggs shells and sea shells. ...
Diatomaceous earth (DE). ...
Copper tape. ...
Slug repellent plants/Slug attractive plants. ...
Recycled wool waste pellets. ...
Nematodes. ...
Wheat bran/Corn Bran. ...
Nature Friendly Slug Pellets. Organic Slug Pellets are based on Iron phosphate rather than metaldehyde.

What repels slugs from plants?

Many aromatic herbs repel slugs, such as rosemary. Marigolds and black-eyed Susan not only look beautiful, but deter slugs when bordering gardens. Other plants are resistant or less affected by slugs. These include astilbe, campanula, lobelia, phlox, ranunculus, and viola.

Do Hollyhocks attract ants?

They leave a sticky residue on foliage that attracts ants.

Do bunnies eat hollyhocks?

Research shows rabbits have been known to avoid perennials like spiny bear's breeches, monkshood, bugleweed, hollyhock, lady's mantle, columbine, goat's beard, wild ginger, cactus, bugbane, lily-of-the-valley, tickseed, chrysanthemum, bleeding heart, foxglove, small globe thistle, blanket flower, cranesbill, daylily, ...

Where should you plant hollyhocks?

Plant in a well-draining area with full sun to partial shade. Due to their height, protect from damaging winds and provide support such as a fence, wall, trellis or stake. Hollyhocks will readily self-seed if left to their own devices, so locate them in an area where this won't be a nuisance.

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.

Do hollyhocks spread?

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. Single flower hollyhocks attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies and they are host plants for the Paint Lady larvae.

Can hollyhocks be grown in pots?

Hollyhocks do best in a south- or west-facing position in moist but well-drained soil. Chalky, sandy or loamy soils are ideal. Plant them at the back of a border as they can reach heights of 2m or more. Hollyhocks aren't suitable for growing in pots.