Question
I had a rose of sharon in one corner of my yard for abour 10 years. Then 3 years ago, it was in full bloom, and beautiful, when
suddenly the leaves started shriveling up, and the blooms withered.  I assumed the bush was dying, and the next spring purchased a new one to replace it. But then the original one started showing signs of life, so I left it in the ground, and the exact same thing happened..full bloom, and then shriveled up.
The next year, I replaced it with a new one. We thought it was something in the soil, so we dug down deep, and put all new soil and fertilizer in. We planted the new rose of sharon. Same thing happened! Do you think this is a problem with the soil, or a fungus, or what?  I have a new one to put in, but obviously need to determine what the problem is.
Thanks so much for your help.
Rita

Answer
Hi Rita,  I have a feeling there is a watering problem going on.  Water about 3 1/2 inches per week unless there is sufficient rain fall then you can skip.  Do not water on top of the plant all the time, but around it to make the roots want to grow.  When planting a new plant you want it to grow into the soil you have already.  Do not add more than 50 percent new to 50 percent that you have in the hole and mix.  If it is all new the plant will not want to grow out of the new soil.  kathy