Expert: Gill Borchardt - 10/13/2009

Question
hibiscus planted in Lake Worth Florida 6 months ago outside about 36 inches tall lots of sun. The plants look very healthy but loose their  flower buds before they open can you please advise me any help greatly appriciated.

Answer
Hello Eric

Bud drop often occurs when there has been a dry spell when the buds were forming - just a few days of drought can be enough to cause this problem.  Plants in containers are especially at risk as they dry out very quickly.

Feeding the plants too late in the growing period (i.e. after mid summer) can also induce bud drop the following year.

Keep the plants well watered and place a deep mulch of leaf mould or good garden compost around the plants to help retain moisture, feed the plants only from early to mid summer - don't over feed - always follow the instructions on the packaging.

Hope you get a good display of blooms next year!