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Rose of Sharon · Hibiscus syriacus

Why are there bugs on my Rose of Sharon?

Seeing tiny insects or skeletonized leaves is common for these shrubs during the summer. Check the undersides of leaves and new buds to identify exactly what is visiting your plant.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny clusters of insects.
  2. Look for lace like patterns on the foliage.
  3. Check for sticky residue on the stems.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the tender new growth and flower buds. They often leave a sticky residue called honeydew on the leaves.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the affected areas every 5 to 7 days.

  2. Japanese Beetles

    Most likely

    How to tell: These metallic green and copper beetles eat the tissue between the leaf veins, leaving behind a lace like skeleton. They are most active during the heat of midsummer.

    What to do: Pick the beetles off by hand in the early morning when they are sluggish and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Avoid using pheromone traps as they often attract more beetles to your yard.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your rose of sharon

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Minor damage is usually cosmetic and won't hurt the plant. Worry only if the infestation is so heavy that the shrub stops producing new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your shrub healthy with proper watering and sunlight to help it withstand occasional pest pressure.

Rose of Sharon: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rose of sharon and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my Rose of Sharon?
Usually no. They are annoying but rarely cause permanent damage to a mature, healthy shrub.
Can I use systemic pesticides?
It is best to avoid them because they can harm beneficial pollinators like bees that love these flowers.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Rose of Sharon

Back to the Rose of Sharon guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.