|
The source of the following thought escapes us, but it was some experienced (not "old", but "experienced") gardener that told us that in the hot summer months grass only grows at night, because during the day it was too busy just trying to stay alive. We would expect that our hibiscus experience somewhat the same daily cycle. You will certainly note that the leaves on many varieties of plants in the sun, not just hibiscus, will droop during the afternoon, because the sun is drawing moisture out of the plant faster than the roots can supply it (transpiration). Giving the foliage a cool shower in the late afternoon will help the plant recover more quickly, as well as disrupt the life cycle of several kinds of critters and perhaps save some buds that might otherwise drop. Of course the plant will recover on its own after the sun goes down.
Bud drop may be the result of several cultivation issues, but may also be caused by critters such as thrips. Twice a month application of a systemic insecticide may lead to control. However, more frequent applications, only on the buds, may be necessary. Note that we said "only on the buds", since your plants may well object to complete applications more frequently than bi-weekly.
Keep up a regular program of fertilization. As we have mentioned before, a more frequent than an every-three-month application of the granular fertilizer sold by the Chapter may be necessary during periods when lots of water are applied to the plants (either by us or by nature).
The June rainfall averages just less than seven inches and July averages just over seven inches. July is regularly bringing rain somewhere in the area. Therefore, instead of being concerned about our plants not having enough water we have to be concerned that they may have too much. Potted plants should have no problem with an over abundance of rain water, assuming the pots don’t sit in water. However, we have to be watchful that our in-ground plants don’t have water standing around them. That could be fatal. There are several actions you can consider to remedy the situation - or to at least help reduce the length of time the plant sits in water. The simplest involves just making a shallow swale to lead the water away from the hibiscus. Installing underground perforated plastic pipe to drain water away from the planted area will actually aid to lower the ground water level in the area. Of course you have to have somewhere to drain the water, which may not be readily available. Or, you could raise the plant and make a small mound of dirt around it in an effort to keep it from downing. Another approach involves raising the level of the bed to a point that the roots of the plants in it are pretty much above the level of the standing water.
June August
|
