Expert: kathy crowley - 7/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: I live in east Texas and have 3 hibiscus plants outdoors in the ground.  The plants receive sunlight for most of the day.  I thought they were frostbitten but they are all coming back.  My pink hibiscus is finally getting some blooms but there is a white dandruff looking stuff all over the bloom and surrounding leaves.  It is so thick it looks like the bloom will be smothered but it is continuing to grow.  What is that and how can I get rid of it?  Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Lisa, It is probably mealy bugs that love hibiscus or the new pink mealy bug invasion.  I would suggest using Atomic Grow which is organic and will bring your plant back to health so the bugs find a new home.  I use it at my nursery and just love how healthy my plants look.  Sales in FL for hibiscus almost came to a hault because of this problem.  This year my hibiscus look beautiful even after the freeze that took it down to about 20 here.  kathy

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QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response.  I will look into Atomic Grow.  My husband wants to use Seven Dust or sulphur...what is your opinion on that?

Answer
Hi Lisa,  First question, is seven dust is a poison that could kill your pets, it has, check out pets killed by seven dust.  You have to be very careful using it as it could harm you too, especially if you get it in your eyes.  Next, why use something poison that will not work on this pest, when you can use something organic?  Have no idea why sulphur unless it is missing from the soil but not to get rid of bugs??  kathy