On Thu, 22 May 2003 14:58:10 +0100, "Pinot Grigio"
wrote:


Please can someone advise on the cause and cure of masses of yellow
spots -
merging into yellow areas - on the leaves of hollyhocks.


It's a fungus infection known as Rust. It's quite common and has a
devastating effect on Hollyhocks. Which is why they aren't anywhere so
common as they used to be when I was a lad.
Cut off and burn/dispose of any leaves infected, don't leave any plant
debris on the ground now or over winter. Spray regularly with a fungicide
as
a preventative.

snip

Does spraying with washing-up liquid have any effect? I don't use any
chemicals because of the wildlife.

Since when has washing up liquid not been a chemical? ;-] You could
always use Ecover; though I think that soaps are useful against
aphids, rather than fungi.

Andy