Question From: L. Brittner - Emlenton, Pennsylvania, United States
Q: I have 2 hibiscus trees that I wintered in the house. After taking outdoors this spring, I checked their roots and they were root bound so I cut off a third of the roots, fluffed the remaining roots and repotted. The leaves on both of the trees now have white patches in several areas. Is this normal? A lot of the leaves are still green, but I am concerned for the life of my trees. They are special to me! They were given to me by my brother-in-law who is now deceased.
A: Sounds like powdery mildew. If you cut off a third of the roots you should have cut back the shrubs by a third. Take samples of the spotted leaves to an independent nursery or garden center of an accurate Id and options of products for control. Do keep them well watered. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
