By Hamabo
London,
United Kingdom 
I have two hibiscus plants in my garden - Hamabo (pink, red eyed) Both plants have a number of buds although nowhere near the number I've seen on the blue variety. About 50% the flowers never come out but just stay as buds and then wither on the plant or fall off. There are 2 large trees in the garden next door ajacent to the hibiscus and we have 2 trees in our own garden (one of the other side of the garden & one nearer) but the hibiscus are exposed to quite a lot of sun/light during the day. Can you tell me what the problem might be or are they just poor specimens. I've had them both around 6-7 years.
One other question. I always plant bizzie lizzies in a small bed which borders the patio and usually they give a wonderful show but this year they've been really disappointing, have never come to anything much and now seem to be going limp with no flowers at all. They are well watered as we have a watering sytem installed. What do you think might be the problem. I'd be grateful for your thoughts/suggestions/ideas.
Thank you.
Ella
4 Aug, 2011
Answers
As for the Hibiscus, irregular watering, or overwatering, are the most common causes of bud loss. Some varieties are more susceptible than others, especially the double kinds.
7 Aug, 2011
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With regard to the busy lizzies, if you've planted them in the same spot for years, that might be the problem - they can get verticillium wilts if planting is not rotated, so try planting them elsewhere, or use a different bedder in that area next year.
There is another problem affecting busy lizzies though - viruses. There are two transmitted by a thrips insect in glasshouses, so if you bought your stock as baby plants, that might be the explanation. Both viruses can attack outside in the summer too, if the plants are infested with western thrips.
4 Aug, 2011