Hollyhock Anthracnose: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you have noticed your hollyhock plants looking less than healthy, it may be due to a fungal disease called hollyhock anthracnose. This disease can quickly spread and cause damage to your plants if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hollyhock anthracnose.

What is Hollyhock Anthracnose?

Hollyhock anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects hollyhock plants. The fungus that causes this disease is called Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It can overwinter in plant debris and soil and then infect new plants in the spring. The disease spreads through water splashing, wind, and contaminated gardening tools.

Symptoms of Hollyhock Anthracnose

The symptoms of hollyhock anthracnose include:

• Irregular brown spots on leaves and stems
• Black lesions on leaves and stems
• Yellowing and wilting of leaves
• Stunted growth
• Premature leaf drop

These symptoms can quickly spread throughout the plant if left untreated, eventually resulting in death.

Treatment for Hollyhock Anthracnose

If you notice the symptoms of hollyhock anthracnose, it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease. Here are some steps you can take:

• Remove infected plant material and dispose of it properly
• Avoid watering the plants from the top, as this can spread the disease
• Apply a fungicide to the plant according to label instructions
• Avoid planting hollyhocks in the same location where infected plants were previously located

By following these steps, you can effectively treat hollyhock anthracnose and prevent it from spreading to other plants.

Preventing Hollyhock Anthracnose

The best way to prevent hollyhock anthracnose is to take preventative measures. Here are some steps you can take to prevent the disease:

• Clean up plant debris in the fall to prevent overwintering of the fungus
• Avoid overcrowding plants
• Avoid overhead watering
• Avoid using contaminated gardening tools
• Plant hollyhocks in a location with good air circulation

By taking these preventative measures, you can keep your hollyhock plants healthy and free from disease.

A healthy hollyhock plant

Hollyhock anthracnose is a fungal disease that can quickly spread and cause damage to your hollyhock plants. By knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this disease, you can effectively prevent and treat it. Take preventative measures to keep your hollyhock plants healthy and strong.

Colletotrichum species, Fungal diseases, Plant pathology, Gardening, Plant diseases