Don’s Expert Answers: Hibiscus Rubra dropping almost all leaves in autumn

Question From:
Jamie in Aberfoyle Park, SA South Australia

Nature of problem:
Hibiscus Rubra dropping almost all leaves in autumn

Type of Plant (if known):
Hibiscus Rubra

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
i have two trees, both lose too many leaves during spring and Tree 2 is almost bare, but Tree 1 has started growing new leaves.

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
loam

How often do you water the plant:
weekly for at least an hour on a fast running dripper

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Tree 2 one gets full sun and Tree 1 only gets morning sun up to about 1pm.

How long since you planted it:
3 years

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
PowerFeed Concentrate liquid Fertiliser in beginning of spring

Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
outdoors

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
in the ground

What other treatments have you given the plant:
nil

Upload photo if available:

Other Comments:
thanks

Answer:
Hi Jamie, I reckon that it must be lack of water. Drippers in dry areas like SA can often be useless. Treat your soil with Saturaid and then put on a sprinkler for 45 minutes once a week. Don