Return to the Perennials Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
What is eating my hibiscus?
| | |
Posted by
donnabaskets 7b-8 MS (
My Page) on
Fri, Jul 8, 11 at 21:15
| Planted in a large perennial border. No other plant is affected. The damage looks like flea beetles: tiny holes in the leaves, until they begin to look like lace. But flea beetles bother tomatoes, eggplants, and brassicas, to my knowledge (all planted way out back). I do not have Japanese beetles. Every year it's the same. Anyone know what it is, and even better, how to stop it? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: What is eating my hibiscus?
| | |
| beetles are beetles are beetles... Sevin should do the trick if you are not anti-chem. I think it is systemic and does not have to make contact. Captain Jacks Deadbug would be a good eco-friendly alternative. |
RE: What is eating my hibiscus?
| | |
RE: What is eating my hibiscus?
| | |
| Could be earwigs too. The little jerks are making lace out of my heuchera and itea this year. Thankfully they seem to be leaving my hostas alone...for now. Karen |
RE: What is eating my hibiscus?
| | |
| Earwigs are horrible this year--I'm seeing them on everything, including the hydrangeas. Daylily flowers are covered with beetles...really bad year for bugs. My hibiscus looks okay at the moment but I'm sure they'll find it eventually and turn the leaves into lace. I'll have to see if Captain Jack's Deadbug is available here. |
RE: What is eating my hibiscus?
| | |
| "beetles are beetles are beetles'... Good grief! Sevin, one of the deadliest of all chemicals for all kinds of insects, including honeybees and other beneficials, is NOT systemic. Anyhow, Donna...I'm with lacy on this. The hibiscus sawfly causes just that kind of damage (skeletonizing) and hides out on the underside of the leaves like the sneaky things they are. Look for small, green caterpillar-looking critters and let us know. If so, sawfly larvae are pretty easily controlled by insecticidal soap applications directed to the underside of the leaves. They have lots of natural predators that will help you control them, too. |
RE: What is eating my hibiscus?
| | |
| "Good Grief"? no need to insult. If you didn't understand my "beetles..." comment it was to indicate that the treatment for various kinds of beetles (chewing insects) is basically the same. I suggested a chemical and organic choice. Its up to the homeowner which one they choose. |
RE: What is eating my hibiscus?
| | |
| Just went out and checked the plants. There is no sign of anything out there; however, the top 3 or 4 sets of new leaves are un-touched, which makes me agree that it was some kind of caterpillar, that has now grown up and flown away? Any thoughts on how to prevent/combat them next year? I love this plant and intend to divide it into three clumps for this border. It has dark purple foliage that is beautiful when uneaten... |
Post a Follow-Up
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in.
If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Perennials Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.
