Hollyhock Diseases

Question

There are brown scale looking things on the back of my hollyhock leaves. They are still blooming, but the lower leaves are dying.  I live in deep southwest Louisiana. What is this, and what do I do to stop it?

Answer 1

This is scale and can be treated with neem oil. These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm