Question
hi, live in s. fl. have older hybiscus bush ,planted facing
n e.  blooms beautiful full blooms.al of a sudden, blooms and new leaves shiveled.new blooms look rotten, get water ok
3 plants in a row are doing this.  please help.thanks sandy

Answer
Hi Sandra,

The problem is with water conductivity into the plant from the roots.  If you have been thoroughly watering them, then there may be a disease or other problem with the roots.  The main culprits are bacterial/fungal root rot diseases, which are easily identifiable by unearthing the roots and detecting a foul smell indicative of the bacterial infection or fungal infestation.

Other problems that are not so easily identifiable are nematodes, small microscopic worms which infest the roots and deprive the plant of the water.  There are root-knot nematodes which produce swollen nodes on the roots, and these are the most easily identified.  Other nematodes are not so easy to see.  

Do these simple investigations first.  There are other things that might be causing the wilting/shriveling but my first hunch is a root disorder.  If you can give me as much information about what you find, I can try to be more specific.

Thanks,