a few of my hib. are awfully "chartreusy" looking

about 2 mo ago I applied granular fert. for flowering tropicals and have applied messenger. They look chlorotic. can you tell me what could be wrong? The problem plants are two years old. They are growing, but not exhuberantly so as some other no-problem hibiscus that I own.

Vossner, chlorosis is due to the lack of minor elements like iron, zinc or manganese. Most granular fertilizers just have macronutrients: nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. Messenger doesn't any of above, just harpin protein.
You'll need to apply iron chelates.
Also check the pH. If it is high the plant can't absorb those elements.

By the way, tropical hibiscus eat a lot. When they're growing they need fertilizer weekly.

Carlos

Thanks Carlo. I don't know for a fact that they are chlorotic, but they sure look like it. Also, are some varities more needy? I have some that are growing just perfect and blooming like crazy too.

could there be another reason for the light green coloring? I will apply some bloom booster right away.

read a little more, seems like feeding is the solution

I'm not sure but I have been told not to use Bloom Booster on Tropical Hibiscus. Maybe some experts will pop in pretty soon and give you a hand.

I do feed weekly, but I use Space City Hibiscus Fertilizer.

It's the best hibiscus fertilizer on the planet! Formulated by the members of the Space City Hibiscus Club in Houston, this water-soluble product has a 18-10-28 analysis and all the trace elements needed to maximize the quantity and quality of your blooms.

You can get it here if you are interested.
http://www.yardgeek.com/fertilizer_view_prod.cfm?SKU=10880

Linda

2pugs, you are absolutely correct! I got confused, but I do have a hibiscus fertilizer that I got at one of my fave nurseries. I am familiar with the Space City formulation and it is wonderful, but I found it way too expensive. The no brand I use has the same NKP.

I was also told not to use bloom booster on hibiscus.

I have a broom closet full of magic potions and get confused with stuff, lol. you are correct, though.

I will also use Peters 20-20-20 but when I mix up a five gal. bucket full I only put in 4T. instead of 5. For the past year it seems to be doing ok.

I know someone told me to use a small middle number when feeding.

Linda