Rose of Sharon Leaf Problem - HELP PLEASE

I have these white specks all over my rose of sharon leaves. Does anyone know what it could be and How do I treat it? Thanks for any information that you might have.

It's hard to tell from the picture, but if the white specks are sticky you could have something that sucks the juice out of the leaf (and then poos it back out :) like aphids. Regardless of what you have, the plant will be losing its leaves soon so I wouldn't even bother to treat it. Just watch the plant closely in spring when it leafs out to catch whatever it is early.

gale
One other thing that I might add, to pf78's comment, would be to make sure you rake up all the dropped foliage and dispose of it, rather than putting in your compost pile-just to be on the safe side.

I, too, think it appears to be insect damage-not disease.

Sasha

Thanks for the info. It really looks like spots that aren't sticky, and i can rub my fingers across it and some of it will remove. They aren't anything that you can feel. I will get the dead leaves away and keep them out of my compost, like you suggest. I have a small retail greenhouse and I have several in pots. I was wondering if there was a soil drench that might be useful. Thanks again.

gale,
I tried to google some info on your leaf problem, and came up with nothing-so far.

I'm wondering if this is more of a "Southern" problem?

Are you in an area where there has been excessive rain fall, over an extended time?
Is it possible that this is the beginning of a mildew, or bacterial problem?
Are the leaves turning brown, and dropping off the shrub?

Are your containers watered from above, or at soil level?

These are some questions that may help you track down the "culprit".

I'm sorry I can't help you more, but I've never seen this problem up here in zn5.

Good luck on your research-maybe you could take a few leaves to your County Extension Agent, for ID?

Blessings,
Sasha

Sasha, thanks again. I will try to get this into my county extension for help. I didn't even think about that, so thanks again.

gayle

Could be the start of mildew trouble if you have these plants stored in the greenhouse, they are outdoor shrubs and will need to be watched if confined to this environment of shelter, less airflow and you need to watch it dont spread to any other plants you have stored within the greenhouse, also it could simply be an insect that has got into the house and you are seeing the dried poo that every living creature will deposit, but within a greenhouse placement, we dont get the rain, watering or the dew to wash it away, so I agree with the others suggestions to destroy the fallen leaves and keep a close eye on All the plants as we are getting close to the end of the growing season, try to withhold the water regime and just keep your plants alive with enough water to stop them drying out, always ventilate as much as you can, even in cold winter days, try to ventilate even for an hour so you get air flow within the house or you will give fungus/mold and other diseases the perfect conditions to grow all over your plants. Good luck. Weenel.