Bud Borer Damage on Rose of Sharon: Identification and Control

Diagnosing Hollow Buds

A gardener finds hollow buds with holes while spraying dormant oil in October, asking about the pest.

Ed Gulliksen confirms bud borer damage. Only effective treatment: systemic insecticide (recommends Orthene) applied per label timing.

Contact sprays don't reach larvae inside buds. Systemic material translocates to protect developing buds from internal feeding.

Shrubs: Dividing Rose of Sharon: Not a Rose, But Easy to Propagate; Planting Rose of Sharon Near Shallow Buried Utility Line; When to Prune Rose of Sharon: Fall vs. Late Winter; Transplanting a Mature Rose of Sharon: Timing and Technique; Rose of Sharon Transplant Shock: Silvery Leaves After Moving Outdoors; Diagnosing Partial Leaf-Out in Mature Rose of Sharon Shrubs; Rose of Sharon Late-Season Yellowing: Fertilizer Response; Rose of Sharon: Hardy, Hummingbird-Friendly Shrub; Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): Shrub Althea; Rose of Sharon Bud Drop: Too Wet, Too Dry, or Just Natural

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