The big, delicate blossoms of the hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos), also referred to as rose mallow, range in size of three or four inches across up to 12 inches in diameter. This herbaceous perennial shrub graces gardens with its own gaudy, crepe paper flowers from late summer up to the season’s first killing frost in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 10. Many insect pests pose a risk while the hibiscus is easy to grow. They may destroy leaves and lead to sooty mold.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) feed more than 275 species of ornamental shrubs, trees and blossoms. They’re known pests of the majority of hibiscus species. Japanese beetles destroy plants by chewing the leaves, making holes that the leaves take on appearance. The metallic-green adult is easy to see with the naked eye and you may choose them off leaves to control infestation. Other methods of control include insecticides and traps. However, traps are not recommended since they bring more beetles.
Mealybugs
Many species of scale insects (Superfamily Coccoidea) destroy an assortment of trees, shrubs and plants. Among them is the soft-bodied mealybug (Pseudococcidae) that uses its own mouth parts to suck sap and inject toxic salivary secretions that spread disease and contribute to the growth of sooty mold. Mealybugs feed resulting in yellowing of stunted plant growth, leaves and even death. Insecticides can also be available, although natural predators, such as wasps, usually keep down the population.
Sawflies
The hibiscus sawfly (Atomacera decepta) feed mainly on rose mallow and its hybrids. Cultivars like”Belle,””Lord Baltimore,””Lady Baltimore,” and”Luna” are all prone to strike. The pest is closely related to wasps and bees. It is dark colored, except for the orange peel on the upper thorax. The adult sawfly lays eggs in the tissues on the underside of leaves, allowing larvae to feed, consuming all the tissue and leaving the veins. Leaves have a lacy appearance. Hand-picking is an effective method of control that is pure. For heavy infestations, you will have to use insecticides.
Thrips
The western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) feed may types of herbaceous ornamental trees and shrubs. These insect scar and stipple blossoms, leaves and other parts of the plant by sucking mobile contents . Plant damage is not ordinarily caused by the small-winged pests, because healthy ornamental or sterile plants can defy their presence. In the event of heavy infestation, even some type of control may be necessary.
Aphids
The miniature aphid feed plants by piercing the stalks, leaves and plants part and consuming plant fluids. Various species of aphids will normally feed on certain types of plants. However some species, like the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) feed on many kinds of plants, including the hibiscus. These insects cause leaf curling, hardening of flower distortion and buds. Mold is also a problem, as it interferes with a plant’s photosynthesis, affecting its growth. Washing aphids helps control themas do natural predators.
Whiteflies
The giant whitefly (Aleurodicus dugesii) feeds on many ornamental plants, including hibiscus. Both the adult and nymph feed on the leaves and suck the sap, causing the plant to lack in nutrients and needed water. Seldom although its leaves are lost by the diminished plant dies. Predatory insects, such as wasps and others, help control the populace. Do not use insecticides in which insects are present.
Spider Mites
Spider mites (Tetranynchus urticae) feed on many types of trees, vegetables and ornamental plants. The insects damage plants. Normally, little harm is caused by them — but can produce the plant. In large quantities, they can cause plant damage that is considerable. Plant leaves turn reddish or yellow and drop off. Use methods of control, these may be killed by insecticides too and as the pests have all-natural predators.