Hibiscus – Something Is Eating The Leaves

Q: My hibiscus is growing beautifully but something is eating the leaves. I can’t see any bugs.

A: My guess is that your hibiscus has been chewed on by hibiscus sawfly larvae. These caterpillar-like creatures feed on the bottom side of leaves so you don’t notice them until holes form. The easiest way to control them is to use a systemic insecticide drench that contains imidacloprid (Bayer Tree and Shrub) in April. And organic spray that contains spinosad (Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew) will work if you concentrate it under the leaves. You can assist Nature by planting flowers that attract beneficial insects, like alyssum, catmint, and lemon balm, nearby.