Hibiscus seems sick

Question

The Hibiscus I recently bought from the small nursery across the street seems sick…buds are falling off, leaves are turning yellow and blossoms are grey and crumpled. I saw some small insects and sprayed the entire plant with a plant based dish detergent, white vinegar and water. Saw on the internet that Neem was inappropriate for the Hibiscus. Please Help!! Thanks..Jewels

Answer 1

Due to the presence of vinegar, the spray mix you described sounds like a herbicide spray (for weeds) and not an insecticide spray. Did your plant see a decline after you sprayed it?

I would say the insects were probably thrips or perhaps even gall midge. Both insects would cause the bud drop you spoke of. Here is an article with more information:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/hibiscus-flowers-hibiscus-blossoms-falling-off-plant.htm