Question
have two rose of sharon and would like to know if we should
use the seed pods or cut starters to have some additional plants.

Spicy verburnim is a favorite we have an older bush, very large
that is doing well. But we have purchased several plants from
the local green house and after two have died.  Another one
is 2 years old and the leaves are curling and turning brown.
We were told to spray for spidermites, but the plants are not
doing well.  What are we doing wrong? The larger older plant is
just fine and the flowers are smell so wonderful in May, we wanted additional plant.

Answer
Hi Cheryle,
Thanx for your question.  If the Rose-of-Sharon are not hybrids and you have no other Roses-of-Sharon nearby, you can use the seeds and probably get a plant that looks similar to what you have.  Hybrids do not come true to the parent plant due to the instability of hybrid genetics.  You can take cuttings which should be done on green wood about 6 inches long in the spring time.  Take off all the leaves but the last two and make sure there is no blooming bud.  Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and then stick the cutting in a pot of damp sand about one inch deep.  Keep the sand moist and warm and Seal up inside a plastic baggie.  Rooting should occur by 8 weeks.  You can make a cutting of your viburnum the same way.

Regarding the viburnum, have you noticed any stickiness or webbing on the undersides of the leaves?  Look for tiny dots which could indicate spidermites and use a miticide on them.  I would go ahead and trim off any growth that is heavily infested and burn it or put it in the rubbish.  Look for aphids which could be causing the problem also.  You may want to take a sample in to your local county extension agent.  If you'll give me your general location, I can get you contact information.  I hope this helps.
Tom