Double Rose of Sharon Bud Drop: Gall Midge and Pests

15-Year-Old Double Rose of Sharon: Blooms Won't Open, Turn Yellow

15-year-old, 5x8 ft, many buds show red color but stay closed, yellow, drop. Pine mulch, never watered (except new), occasional Miracle-Gro. Woody trunk, normal leaves.

Rose of Sharon = Hibiscus (Not Rose)

But here's help:

Likely Causes

1. Gall midge: Bag buds 1-2 days → check for yellow larvae on plastic. Treat: Orthene spray.
2. Aphids on new growth
3. Spider mites in hot/dry spots
4. Japanese beetles, whitefly, leaf spots, blights

Diagnostic Test

White paper under bud, tap bud → check for bugs on paper. Match bug to treatment.