How to Manage a Rose of Sharon to Keep Bugs Off
The Rose of Sharon, or hibiscus, produces beautiful flowers that add a tropical touch to a garden. Its sturdy foliage also makes for a visually arresting hedge that's sure to impress neighbors. However, the plant may also draw unwanted attention from bugs. Luckily, the bugs most attracted to the Rose of Sharon---such as aphids, Japanese beetles, or whiteflies---can be easily eliminated from your garden. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Ladybugs
- Hot water
- 1/2 teaspoon dish soap (not lemon-scented)
- Pint-sized spray bottle
- Insecticidal soap
- Bucket of hot water
Instructions
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Protect Against Aphids
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1
Release ladybugs into your garden. Ladybugs nest in the Rose of Sharon and eat aphids.
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2
Examine the plant one week after releasing ladybugs. If the ladybugs have gone, but the aphids are still present, begin spraying.
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3
Mix hot water and dish soap in a spray bottle. Avoid lemon-scented soaps, as the acidity could harm the foliage. Spray the top and underside of leaves, completely coating leaves. Spray daily or every other day.
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4
After a week, check again for aphids. If the aphids are still present, switch to insecticidal soap.
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5
Spray with insecticidal soap according to the manufacturer's directions.
Protect Against Beetles or Whiteflies
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6
Pick off any beetles or whiteflies and discard in a bucket of hot water.
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7
Mix hot water and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray top and underside of leaves, completely coating leaves. Spray daily or every other day.
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8
After a week, check plant for bugs. If the beetles or whiteflies are still present, switch to insecticidal soap.
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9
Spray with insecticidal soap according to the manufacturer's directions.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Purchase ladybugs at gardening stores.
References
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Comments
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you can also spray jap beetle tea. knock beetles off of the plants, let "brew" in a bucket of water out in the sun all day and spray the plant. ahhh the sweet smell of death.
