Hibiscus tree strange problem. Quarantine?

[jeffpas]

Planted a small 'grove' of hibiscus trees- about 5 that I got on sale last fall.

One of them looks odd (see pics). This year it has not produced one flower.

Although it put out leaves, the leaves at all the twig ends are small and curled. Its been this way all year unchanged, and hasn't grown an inch taller. I have no idea what this is, does anyone?

 

My thinking is to pull this tree out and discard it, and replace it with a new one because I would be afraid whatever it has, would spread to the rest. Or is that overkill, literally.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Edited July 22, 2016 by jeffpas

[nepia]

Dismissing all negativity. "Give up" is not helpful to me, or anyone else reading these threads.

 

Well it sort of comes to mind when your opening post states that you're minded to rip the shrub out and bin it!

 

Rip the shrub out and bin it.

[easy-lift guy]

Dismissing all negativity. "Give up" is not helpful to me, or anyone else reading these threads.

I found this video interesting. The leaf curl looks a lot like my tree.

Calcium deficiency? But then I'm not seeing why it would strike one tree and not the other four nearby, which I've already said several times are healthy, thriving, and doing great.

 

 

There is a product called "Ironite", which is a mineral supplement I'm suspecting may be helpful here- however the gamble would be that it isn't any kind of contagious issue. Its complicated by the fact that as he said in the video, the original curly leaves would not straighten out with the fertilizer so it would take quite a bit longer to see if this makes a difference.

 

Ironite is liquid iron. It will green up your lawn and other plant material. It will also stain your driveways sidewalks and anything else the color of rust if used carelessly. YOUR HIBISCUS BUSH IS NOT HARBORING ANYTHING THAT IS CONTAGIOUS. Nutritional and micro nutritional requirements vary according to species. The available nutrients available in the soil feeding the trees are three times the size of the canopy, your nutritional concern is unfounded.

With out taking a soil sample and having it tested anything else your willing to try is a shot in the dark, at best. I suspect your from North America?. If so you don't have to take my advise, however you can contact your local cooperative extension agency and ask about any tips about Hibiscus care.

A master gardener typically is on staff as a volunteer at these agencies as well.

easy-lift guy