could also be a hollyhock weevil? and the rust?

Hollyhock rust disease occurs anywhere you find hot, humid temperatures. This is especially true in the southeast where these conditions persist throughout most of the summer. Below are some hollyhock rust treatments to try. Bear in mind that you’ll have more success if you employ several of these strategies at once. When you first notice rust spots, pick off the leaves and either burn them or seal them in a plastic bag and discard them. Keep the soil around the plants free of debris, and keep the garden weed free. Spread a thick layer of mulch under the plants to prevent last year’s spores from re-emerging. Water the soil rather than the leaves. If possible, use a soaker hose so the soil won’t splatter onto the leaves. If you must use a spray of water, direct the spray at the ground and water early in the day so that the leaves that get wet will dry completely before sundown. Make sure the plants have good air circulation. They look great growing up against a wall, but the air can’t circulate around them and moisture builds up. Cut down hollyhock plants at the end of the season and burn or bury the debris. Use fungicides if necessary. Chlorothalonil and sulfur are good choices. Apply them every seven to ten days or more often if it rains.

Read more at Gardening Know How: Hollyhock Rust Treatment: How To Control Hollyhock Rust In Gardens https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/hollyhock-rust-in-gardens.htm

I bought this one a few weeks ago

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where are you .. big city name ...

planting most anything in AUGUST causes incredible stresses in most areas ...

after that .. a lot of things can happen to stressed plants ... including what they said above ...

ken

Thanks all. I live near Syracuse NY.

I get that late July isn’t ideal planting time, but I don’t think that’s it because this is what the previous Hollyhocks looked like. They were here and established when I bought the house, after 2-3 years they started to look like this then never came back.

i thought woodchucks were eating them, but our dog has since eliminated that problem.

The missing leaves didn’t fall off, they are just gone.

I did find some ants when I planted it, could they be the problem?

Most hollyhocks are not long lived, and many die after blooming. I think that's what you're seeing.

The plant is only focused on flowering and setting seed before it dies, and won't grow new leaves. If you're feeling adventurous I would take those ripe, brown seed pods, break them up and scratch them into the soil around the old plant or wherever else you want a few hollyhock next year. Hollyhocks are easy from seed, they should sprout in a week or two if kept watered and will grow this fall and flower next summer.

Hollyhocks bloom one year and die. They re-seed to make more for the next year. My leaves always look like that but does not interfere with the blooms.

It does seem that it is trying to grow new leaves and buds, but they have small holes in them, which is why I keep thinking something(s) are eating it.

Maybe there were Japanese beetles on the plant, I know they like the flowers on mine although for some reason this year the foliage is perfect.... which is not the case every other year. You might have to just enjoy it for what it is and see how long it keeps blooming. Based on the buds it looks like it hasn't given up just yet!