Lacy looking hibusicus leaves.

[hsesnowitz]

I live in NE Ohio (Zone 4 or 5?) and planted 3 great hibiscus in the spring. (1 Blue River; 2 Red Flare) and the blooms are great (although not as large as I expected). However, the leaves are all lacy looking, as if a bug is eating them. Any ideas?

[Newt]

Hi Hsesnowitz,

Here is a site that shows some diseases of hardy hibiscus.
http://www.geocities.com/hibiscusred/bug/fungi.htm

This one talks about 'web blight'. See if this sounds like what you have.
http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/hgic/d...eb_blight.html

You might also find this site helpful.
http://www.bachmans.com/tipsheets/Pe...dyHibiscus.cfm

You may have a virus. I would take the precautions of good hygene in the garden. Any pruning that you do should include dipping your pruning shears in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water after each cut.

If this doesn't help, you might want to consider taking a leaf to a good garden center in a sealed plastic bag for id.

Good luck,
Newt