Question
We bought 3 beautiful climbing plants (Mandevilla Dipladenia)and placed them on ground next to trellis. Plants had just begun to climb when cutter ants ate one of the plants. I had to remove the other 2 before they got eaten. We live in south Texas (Harlingen,McAllen) area. Where it is HOT! PLEASE what can I do? Other question, Hibiscus plants keep loosing buds and color of leaves is a very light shade of green. Why do the buds fall off? Every morning, I find them on the floor. Please HELP!

Answer
Mary, you have no choice but to spread an insecticidal powder at the base of the Mandevilla. Although I seldom recommend chemical insecticides, there are few organic alternatives that eliminate cutter ants. I have found Sevin to be highly effective on ants.

In regard to the hibiscus, either the blooms are not being pollinated completely or the soil requires more phosphorus. If there are bees in the area, it's probably the latter. If so, spray the plants with a water-soluble fertilizer high in phosphorus. If pollination is the issue, you either need to attract more bees to the area with annuals or brightly colored perennials, or hand-pollinate with a Q-tip by spreading the pollen from flower to flower.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike