azalea - rust?

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daiseycat Assonet, MA(Zone 6b) Sep 16, 2006

We have had an awesome azalea for over 30 yrs.. This summer I planted a few hollyhocks near it. My poor azalea has a rusty film all over it. The foliage was scarce and alll new growth turns rusty also. It is trying to hold on but I am not sure how to help it. Am I going to lose it? If it does survive, do I have to move the hollyhocks? Or, worse case senario, do I have to eliminate the hollyhocks and/or my beloved azalea? Thanks for any info.

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conifers Rock Island, IL(Zone 5b) Sep 16, 2006

Hollyhocks are biennial plants I believe (they come back every other year) and do host fungus. Your azalea will recover but I'd spray it with a fungicide recommened for Rhododendron/Azalea right now. Also rake up any leaves that drop keeping them away from your shrub/tree.

Next spring, you'll need to evaluate the Azalea all over again and decide if it needs fungicidal treatment. If it does, follow the label. Hollyhocks are rust magnets so yes that seems the cause.

You'll of course need to plant something other than hollyhock eventually. They also reseed readily so although considered a biennial perennial, they will pop back up (like 'Foxglove').

Best to take care of the problem next spring when the hollyhocks begin to re-emerge (don't allow them to grow again), and certainly remove all their remains this fall with the same dilligence as done with the leaves of the Azalea.

Dax

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mdvaden Beaverton, OR Sep 16, 2006

Is there anything above the Azalea that could be dropping a pollen or residue?

Could your azalea have a coincidence of another problem, coupled with something visual; not related to the problem?

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conifers Rock Island, IL(Zone 5b) Sep 17, 2006

Rust is rust. It's a fungus and it certainly will spread from the hollyhock to the azalea. Very common.

Regards.

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daiseycat Assonet, MA(Zone 6b) Sep 17, 2006

Thank you all for the info. Esp. for the detailed care needed. At least I have hope that my azalea will survive. I have a feeling that my lovely hollyhocks (9 of them in different locations) were a major mistake.

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conifers Rock Island, IL(Zone 5b) Sep 17, 2006

I've grown them two years ago. Try for a substitute and an annual here in zone 5, Lavatera species. I'm sure you'll find trades and actually I can collect seed so send me a dmail if you're interested. I have a large growing white flowered 'one' and pink ones from the cultivar 'Barnsley'.

Take care,

Dax

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