Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Apr 17, 2009 9:25 pm Hi Guys need some help with my garden again. I planted two hibiscus at the end of Febuary 2009 and they have been growing very well. They have flowered alot and after the rain this week this morning we had 3 flowers on one plant and 1 on the other. But we have noticed that something is eating the leaves and my husband looked closer and noticed something has eaten two buds that were near blooming. I searched the internet but there is alot of sources from America like usual...and I'm not sure if this would apply in Australia. Just wondered what we could purchase from bunnings or the like to spray on the plant. If anyone has any experience on this issue let me know. I would show you a photo but its obviously dark outside, can put one up tomorrow. Thanks in advance Re: Hibiscus help :) 2Apr 18, 2009 9:01 am Sounds like Aethina concolor http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane ... ulidae.htm spray the flowers and foliage with a pesticide spray such as confidor. Re: Hibiscus help :) 3Apr 18, 2009 9:25 am Hibiscus One of my fav plants There are so many insects, beetles including weevils that damage them. For the most part I don't worry about them unless it is critical. The use of systemic sprays like confidor are lost in treating things chewing the leaves but is about all you can do to save the flowers as far as sprays go (as peaceful has recommended.) These sprays need to be used with caution and necessity only. They kill more bees than they will the very things you are trying to kill. Bees are becoming fewer and fewer even here in Australia and the effects of systemic sprays play a big part in the problem. If you absolutley have to use Carbryl or something with "spinosad" like Success by yates. That controls chewing insects much more effectively and the spinosad is more on the organic side of control but not certified I don't think Just plucking off your older flowers each morning for a while can help to reduce your problem with out even spraying anything Check this web site for an organic alternative http://www.goodbugs.org.au/ using natural predators. *They send them to you in the mail Hopefully you can find a local supplier and send a sample to them and see if they can supply a control insect to you It can be cheaper too sometimes but much better for your health I know a few nurseries that use them to control everything and they saved a fortune and improved their oc health and saftey Also make use of the Hibiscus society near you An amazing resource of knowledge if you love Hibiscus http://www.australianhibiscus.com/ Concentrate on feeding the soil organic material more than the plant with fertilisers but the Hibiscus do love a dose of NPK as much as every two weeks for show flowers or once a month for the average enthusiast You will love how they come back If you have to spray, do it at the start of the day. Make sure it isn't going to rain. Wear long pants and long sleeves. Wear a disposable mask. (suitable in domestic use) *Not available or very limited to WA due to quarantine regulations. Re: Hibiscus help :) 4Apr 19, 2009 10:14 pm Thanks guys, family members suggested confidor. So I used that before I checked back onthe forum. I do think they are those beatles but have not seen any yet. If it does not improve I'm just going to leave it go and see what happens. The flowers all dropped off today and there are no new buds about to bloom so should be fine with bees.... and have no pets. Thanks for yet again great advice. Hi there, long-time lurker but first time posting. I've bought a house 2 and a bit years ago and last year we had some major water damage on a converted pergola area… 0 7929 Yes, unless you are in a low intensity rainfall area or the area is protected from rain. Do you have access to NCC Part 2 or can you download it? I can email you a copy… 10 12508 Thankyou so much 😀 I've decided on White on white for doors and trims, White on white 50% on ceiling and Mt buller for walls. Fingers crossed it will look OK 😀 2 7157 |