What's eating my hibiscus syriacus 'minerva'?

Rose of Sharon 'Minerva' is susceptible to the same pests as the wider species. Japanese beetles are the number-one threat in North America. Aphids cause distorted new growth, and spider mites thrive in summer heat. Thrips may damage flowers. Regular monitoring from late May onwards helps keep populations manageable.

Skeletonised foliage and chewed flowers; metallic green-copper beetles visible on plants in full sun during July and August. Hand-pick morning or evening; neem oil or pyrethrin spray; milky spore or parasitic nematodes in the lawn to target grubs.

Soft colonies on tender shoots and flower buds; sticky honeydew attracts ants and promotes sooty mould. Jet of water; insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; avoid high-nitrogen feeding that drives excessive soft growth.

Petals show silver-brown flecking and distortion; flower buds may fail to open; tiny dark insects visible inside blooms. Remove affected flowers; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap; reflective mulch deters adults.