AboutTom Alonzo Expertise I have been a gardener for 20 years with perennials both growing from seed and from nurseries. I went through the Master Gardener Program from Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service and I answered questions on the Hotline a few years ago for the Wyandotte County Kansas Extension Service. I have also lived in the Florida, California, Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Kansas and Missouri and am experienced with a variety of climates, soils and weather conditions.
Experience I have been growing perennials for over 20 years now. I am self-taught mostly except for a master gardener class. I have experimented with all kinds of perennials including many that are not common to my area. I have read hundreds of books and grown hundreds of varieties of plants and hope to make it a business some day. I have become versed in botanical names and growing conditions and what I don't know off of the top of my head I can usually easily find in my vast array of research material and botanical and horticultural contacts. I especially enjoy experimenting with growing plants out of zone.
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.
In my experience, the gall midge and thrips have been the primary causes of bud drop. Use an organice insecticide available at your local DIY on these pests. Sometimes, if you take a few buds and put them inside a plastic baggie and seal it, the insects will come out of the buds and are easily identified. I hope this helps.
Tom
