Possible to identify? And whitefly problem.......

I had no idea different hibiscus flowers had different names! I just keep going to the nursery and buying them. Yes, I'm new to gardening, can you tell? My problem now is that my plants are covered with what I assume is whiteflies - tiny, white flying insects, that when I touch the plant, really go nuts. I also have a lantana between 2 hibiscus, and it too is infested. I tried malathion, but then I read on another website that I shouldn't use it on hibiscus. I don't think it worked anyway. What should I try next?

Thanks so much for any help!

Another beauty.

looks kind of like my Sun Showers, but probably not close enough...

Your Hibs sure are pretty. I usually spray my plants with water with a little soap added.

Judy

I usually use Bayer 3 in 1 Rose and Flower systemic spray. I've also used a systemic spray by Ortho but I'm having trouble finding it now. Lowe's used to carry it but has stopped.

the yellow one might be Misty Isle...

how big is the bloom on the orange one?

Do you have a pic of the 1st fully opened? It may help some. Is there any white around the throat?

Robert

Thanks, everybody. I will try the soap and water first. I live in Mexico, and have not seen the Bayer 3 in 1 spray here, but I am going to the States soon, so I will pick some up there.

Here are a couple more pictures. There is no white around the throat, and I'd say the blooms are between 3 and 4 inches.

Here's the bush the day I planted it.

That is absolutely gorgeous! Hope you get a handle on your bug problem.

Judy

Looks like rosalind maybe?
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/46977/

This message was edited Aug 6, 2009 12:13 PM

Those are gorgeous!

Thanks! Looking at the other pictures, I think "Rosalind" might just be it.

Does anyone know how often I can use the soap and water spray?

I use the soap & water spray every day. Usually only have mealy bugs & they don't like it. I read somewhere to add a few drops lemon dish washing product to a bowl of water & it will draw mosquitoes & kill them. This does work as I have tried it myself. Kills flies & bees too & we need the bees. Also read to grate the rind of a lemon, lime, etc., & add to a pot of boiling water. Let set 24 hours, strain & use to spray for bugs. Made the stuff up but have not tried it yet. Good luck & keep us posted on your bug problem.

Judy

Well, the hibiscus look okay, but I think I may have damaged the lantana with the soap and water. Is that possible?

I don't have Lantana so I don't know. I've used it on all my plants & have never had it hurt anything. I don't use very much soap & never spray in the hot sun. Let me know what happens with your Lantana.

Judy

I'm beginning to think that they put something different in their dish soap here in Mexico. I have lost almost every leaf on the lantana, and the leaves on 4 hibiscus are dropping like crazy!! Help! Do you think they will come back?

They may have something different in the soap. Wash the plants good & drench the soil. Let me know what happens. Will feel awful if your beautiful Hibiscus dies. Keep me posted.

Judy

Don't feel awful! I should have tested it on a small part first instead of going nuts. It's my own fault. I have washed the plants (what was left of the leaves!) and drenched the soil. Thanks again for your help. Keep your fingers crossed!