rose mallow leaves

Question

The leaves on my rose mallow turn yellowish brown and shrivel up every year. The flowers don’t seem to be bothered. What could be causing the leaf damage? I see no pests.

Answer 1

This could be a disease called hollyhock rust. Please see these articles for more information:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/hollyhock-rust-in-gardens.htm
http://hort.uwex.edu/articles/hollyhock-rust/

If it's not that, some other possibilities are discussed in this article:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/answers-to-what-causes-hibiscus-leaves-turning-yellow.htm

Plants in the hibiscus family, like rose mallow, often develop yellow leaves. They tend to be sensitive to the problems discussed in the above article.