What's wrong with my hollyhocks?

Question

I'm in Ontario, Canada. The two hollyhocks I planted last year bloomed this year. But pretty well right from day one the leaves looked like they were dying. I've heard of some kind of "rust" disease that can affect some plants. Is this what was making the hollyhocks look so awful? Any other things that might have caused this? And how do I prevent it from happening again next year?

Answer 1

if not rust, look at powdery mildew as another problem....

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/xdpy/k...

Answer 2

It sounds like it is rust. The website I cite below should help you determine if it is rust and tells you how to prevent it.