Question
Hi

I live on the Jersey shore (sandy soil) and this is the first out of 6 seasons my
Rose of sharon is not blooming.  It doesnt have many leaves but has many
buds.  Some buds are opening only to turn into a shriveled up flower.  I
fertilized it when I noticed it not blooming.  What could be the problem.

Answer
Please tell me what the leaves look like and describe any discoloration.  Is it dropping lower or upper leaves, or do they just not appear at all?  Are you familiar with Spider Mite damage and what it looks like?

The problem as you describe it (which is very limited) sounds like it might be a Fungus, but it could also be a problem with the way you are watering.  Note as well that these need to be pruned for best performance -- have you done that and do you know what to do?

Don't fertilize any more until this problem is solved.  Fertilizing a plant will force growth that can't be healthy, and is vulnerable to attack from all kinds of places.  rsvp