Dead Hibiscus

Question

We have had our hibiscus plants for about 4 years. They have grown beautifully. This year, they are grown half way in height and the leaves are brown and yellow. We have done everything the same as the prior years. I also have two gardenia bushes next to them. Everything is brown and yellow. We have had problems with our neighbors recently. We have a white lattice fence up and their grill is directly on the other side. I am thinking that they had poured something on them to be spiteful. Everything else looks beautiful. Is there something that we can do to save them? I live in Pennsylvania and we are ranging in the high 70’s or high 80’s day to day. Can I cut them down to the ground hoping that they will grow back? I have tried to cut some of the dead leaves off, but if I keep cutting the plant, it will be gone.

Answer 1

If the neighbors have poisoned the plants, you will need to dilute whatever they used. Purposely overwatering the plants will help do this.

If the stems are still alive, they will regrow the leaves. This article will help determine that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm

If the stems are dead, it may regrow from the roots if the roots are still alive.