Help with Hybiscus

[Spartan]

Planted these about a year and a half ago. The leaves are green but don’t really grow and way too sparse. The location gets sun at least half the day in sw Florida. The ones in the second pic look even worse. Thinking about pulling them but no idea why they’re doing so poorly. Any ideas to turn them around? My neighbor has one 10 feet away that looks great. I’d ask her but she uses a lawn service and has no idea.

[Spartan]

Pic 2

[gander]

I am not sure what I am seeing those look like they have shiny green leaves instead of a dull fuzzy type leaf. Shy leaves mean tropical. dull leaves are hardy the hardy type really like water.

[Spartan]

These are the tropical type.

[cottagefog]

If it was me, I would dig them up. Examine the soil, and what the roots look like.

Not an expert of Florida planting, but I would imagine it is the same as up north. Too much of something or not enough of something! Sun, water, shade, etc....

Your neighbors Hibiscus that is flourishing. What type of mulch? On the same side of the house? Same amount of sun? Could the rows of retaining wall behind your plant be giving off radiant heat and baking the plants?

Good luck!

[gander]

I thought it said you were from New York. Why would you plant the tropical type in the ground. I am not sure a gravel mulch would be good for them.

[UnkleTim]

I’d cut them down low.

[Spartan]

My pond is in NY but I spend time in FL now, where these plants are.

[SouthernStarr]

I’d cut them down low.

Yep! That’s what I’d do

[aquaholic]

Hibiscus love water. I throw stem cuttings into a bucket full of water, keep it topped up and several weeks later they all have roots so I don't think you can drown them.
They also appreciate nitrogen rich fertiliser. So add fertiliser and water and wait a few weeks.

Don't be afraid to pee on them (or pee into a bucket and water them that way) but a slow release fertiliser is easier.