What's Eating My Hollyhocks?

by Saira Bates

A few years ago, I found a couple of plants growing at the base of the bird house in my garden. At first, I thought they were weeds. I was tempted to pull them out, but I was also curious to see if there would be any flowers on this rapidly growing plant. I decided to let them grow. In a couple of weeks, I came to recognize that they were hollyhocks. Since I hadn't planted them, I suspected they were a gift from the birds in exchange for their lodging.

Two years ago, I collected some of the seeds and planted them in a better spot in my garden. Last year they came up but no flowers. This year, they seem to be growing well and have buds that should be opening soon. However, I noticed small holes in most of the leaves. Upon closer inspection, I could see several tiny black bugs with what appeared to be elongated snouts. I did a quick search on the UCIPM website and was able to identify them as weevils (family Curculionidae). They are a common pest with various species that use different types of plants as hosts. Adults like to eat leaves and buds but the larvae of some species feed on roots of the plants. As per UCIPM, the best way to deal with weevils is to hand pick them. I armed myself with ½ cup of soapy water, hand-picked the weevils and dropped them into the soapy water. If you are little squeamish about picking up bugs, try simply holding the cup close to the plant and flicking the buds, stems, and leaves of the plant, which will dislodge the weevils into the soapy water. I have been checking my hollyhocks daily and, to date, have not seen any weevils. You can learn more about weevils here: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FLOWERS/INVERT/weevil.html

I'm so happy that hollyhocks showed up in my garden. I've learned that hollyhocks don't normally produce flowers during the first year, can grow to be 6 feet tall and are generous seed producers, along with how to control a common pest, the weevil, using an environmentally friendly method.

Napa Master Gardeners are available to answer garden questions by email: mastergardeners@countyofnapa.org. or phone at 707-253-4143.  Volunteers will get back to you after they research answers to your questions.

Visit our website: napamg.ucanr.edu to find answers to all of your horticultural questions.

Photo credits: Saira Bates

Information links: UCMG Riverside County  Hollyhock info