Diagnosing Hibiscus (Althea) Wilting and Bud Drop

Overwatering, Fertilizer Burn, or Disease?

A 4-ft Althea (Rose of Sharon) in Alabama with unopened buds, drooping branches, and green leaves suggests root stress.

Checklist

• Stop daily watering. Let soil dry 2–3 inches down.
• Check for recent lawn chemicals. Herbicide drift kills roots.
• Water temperature: Use ambient-temp water, not cold hose water.
• Fertilizer: Miracle-Gro at full strength burns roots. Dilute or stop.
• Sun: Needs full sun (6+ hours).
• Gray mold (Botrytis): Cool, humid nights cause bud rot. Look for fuzzy gray fuzz.

Next Steps

Reduce watering, halt fertilizer, inspect for mold. If roots are damaged, recovery is slow. Consider replanting in well-drained soil if site stays wet.