Marshmallow question

[ipaintedmyhousewhite]

I am growing marshmallow and until now it has done really well. But today I noticed the leaves looked almost like they had rust. Is marshmallow prone to rust, or is this just normal autumn die-back? Should I spray it or just leave it be? Opinions? Thanks!

[sunmad strawgirl]

I don't know about Marshmallows in particular but many of my flowers are susceptible to the rust that also plagues my roses. I'm not sure what to suggest in terms of control for the marshmallow. What I normally do for my perennial flowers is to cut off the affected portions and get rid of as much debris and mulch underneath them as possible. Then I do the same thing again early in the spring before they start budding out again.
Incidentally, if I can piggy-back a rust-related question to yours . . . I had rust affect my garlic last year. It didn't seem to hurt the yield very much but I was uncertain what I could do to try and control it. Rust control ideas would help me too . . .

[ipaintedmyhousewhite]

There seems to be no area UNaffected on the marshmallow. It was all so sudden. The things I've heard for rust are: (1) spray with a mixture of baking soda, water, and a little dish soap or oil (2) Spray with skim milk. I guess I'll be giving these things a try. Oh wait, now I'm second-guessing myself. I know these are supposed to work for blackspot and mildews...would they work for rust?

[DittonyJ]

My marshmallow begins to brown up as the season changes to fall. I just cut it back when I get the chance and it comes up strong the next year.

[ipaintedmyhousewhite]

Okay, great. That's what it's doing...I was alarmed because nothing else is doing that, perennials or annuals. It is pretty chilly here at night though. I'm not going to bother with the emergency measures then. I am feeling lazy.