Question
My lovely hibiscus keeps dropping beautiful buds.Why? it is outdoors as we live in a most lovely part of the world and the climate is just perfect WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
THE PLANT WAS NOT GROWING WELL SO i TRIMMED IT AND IN NO TIME IT GREW AND HAD HEAPS OF NEW SHOOTS AND BUDS. MANY THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE.

Answer
Hi Rosemarie,
Thanx for your question.  There are a number of reasons why hibiscus experience bud drop.  One is heat.  Be sure the plant gets plenty of water.  If you are feeding the shrub a high nitrogen fertilizer, discontinue that and concentrate on a fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus.  Thrips, nematodes and caterpillars can cause bud drop too.  Take one of the buds and place it inside a plastic baggie.  Sometimes the pests will crawl out of the bud and you will see them trapped in the bag.  Take the bag to your local nursery so they can help you identify the pest and the appropriate remedy.  Sometimes, the shrubs simply just drop buds and recover as temperatures cool and weather moderates.  I hope this helps.
Tom