Question
Aphids make sense for the buds deformed buds.  I live in SE Michigan and don't know where to find Neem Oil.  It doesn't seem to be at my local Lowe's or Home Depot, any suggestions?  Also, what would cause the leaves to droop and die.  My husband mentioned they were turning yellow too.

Thanks,
Aimee
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Followup To

Question -
I planted 5 Althea shrubs about 2 months ago, 2 of them have a single trunk, the other 3 have several smaller branches at the base.  I'm not sure of the difference but the two single trunked shrubs are doing great, but the other three haven't been doing well.  Their leaves started wilting and falling off.  I thought they were lacking water but that's not helping.  I see something that looks like powdery mildew but it's only in a few spots.  Alot of the buds look somewhat deformed and most are dying before they flower.  One of them is practically all sticks without leaves and the other appear to be heading that direction.  Any idea on what's wrong or how I help them?  I have 15 rose bushes and spray them for mites and other fungal diseases with Orthenex, can I spray the Althea's too?  Any help would be appreciated.

Answer -
Aimee,
I think that the Altheas are being damaged by aphids. I would recommend that you treat them with Neem oil, this material will control certain diseases and is a general insecticide.
Fertilize them all well this fall and again in the spring to help bring them back to where they were.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen

Answer
Aimee,
You can find Neem oil on line at Notrh Country organics.
As far as the leaf drop- Aphids feed not only on the buds but also on the leaves and young stems. Aphids feed on the juices in the tissues causing them to yellow out and drop.
Good luck.
ED Gullisken