The Hollyhock is a bloom species in the genus Alcea in the Malvaceae family . The stalk is an average of 3 1/2 meters tall and the flowers are generally pinkish or yellow , and the leave are delicious to several types of insect .
Identification
Generally , if there is an insect infestation , it will give as " lacy " holes throughout the farewell of the flora . Fungal issues demonstrate more like a " dusting " over the foliage and sometimes flower petals if it is late springiness / other summer . You might also happen eggs inside the tissue paper of the leaf , or cocooned insects at the root word of the plant life .
Insects
While many insects line up the leave to be quite tasty , the two that are most uncouth are the hollyhock weevil ( Apion longisrostre ) , and the larvae of the sawfly . The hollyhock weevil looks a bit like the common tick ; it measures about 1/8th of an inch and has comparatively foresightful legs and a snout . The weevil will typically stupefy to the flower flower petal on the plant , eat up small trap from the interior out .
If your leaves are face " lacy " then the most potential perpetrator is the sawfly larva . This larva is very exchangeable to a caterpillar , but is in fact the larvae level of the sawfly . While they change in color , they are typically green or yellow and about 1/2 column inch long .
Fungus
Hollyhocks are susceptible to the fungus " rust fungus " or Puccinia malvacearum . The top of the leaf will begin to present with yellow spots , while the most obvious sign of hollyhock rust will be orangish pustule on the underside of the leaves . This fungus will finally send the leaves of the hollyhock to an early compost .
Theories/Speculation
There are some gardeners who believe the earwig is another probable leaf - muncher on the althea . In fact , entomologist recount us that earwig are really carnivorous insect , and are likely helping to thwart other insect problems in your garden by gobbling them up .
Prevention/Solution
While there are many home remedies that typically involve olive oil with garlic and hot peppers , etc . , the surest solution for the demise of the sawfly larvae and/or Hollyhock weevils is to apply Sevin dust or BT insecticide . These product , might be serious for your animals or small child run around the garden . There are botanical " rude " products that work as insect repellant , but they can still cause tegument , breadbasket and eye irritation in human beings and dogs , so fence off the sphere around your hollyhocks to keep everyone safe .
References
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