We asked last week what could possibly be stunting Reporter Stacey Mulick's hollyhocks. I, too have the same trouble with mine. But since my neighbors plunked the hollyhocks in my yard (thanks Marc and Esther!), I just accepted the flaws as part of the fun of freebie plants (yes, I'm like a cat lady in my inability to say no to stray plants).

Readers had a few thoughts on how to reverse our sad hollyhocks. I rather like the first suggestion. I think a few well placed large hostas might do the trick at hiding the nasty rust spots. If you can't get rid of it, just hide it. Read on, people:

Jeannette Smith: I have no doubt at all that the brown spots are rust. Hollyhocks are notorious for having rust, this is entirely natural, especially in our warm, damp summers. Forget the rust, you can't stop it. Take off the worst leaves, and plant something of medium height in front of them to hide the rusty leaves. Just enjoy the gorgeous flowers. If the plants made it over last winter, they will be back.

Rita Glenn:I have had Hollyhocks and the problem with holes and spots seems to be common for them. I am not a master-gardener not an horticulturist, but I have observed Hollyhocks for many years. This year we tried a product that is used on Roses for black spot and it seemed to help a little, but did not remove the problem. We have lovely blooms on stalks that are well over 6 feet tall. Hollyhocks will reseed themselves or you can gather the seeds and plant them where you want.

Thoughts? Anyone else? Going once, going twice...