Controlling Hibiscus Sawfly Larvae on Perennial Hibiscus

Sawfly larvae skeletonize rose mallow leaves. Insecticidal soap can burn foliage if applied in heat, sun, or on dry plants. Safe use: apply early morning/evening, below 85°F, humidity under 90%, on well-watered plants. Don't combine with neem oil.

Better organic control: Spinosad (Monterey Garden Spray, Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew). Spray at night for 3 nights—targets chewers, spares bees. BT doesn't work on sawflies.

Systemic acephate also works but is harsher. Cut back damaged foliage; plants recover. The expert had same issue on roses and nepeta; spinosad resolved it.