I have what appears to be a healthy 6-7 yr old Rose of Sharon. It is lush and green and 8-10' tall but it can't flower, though it has many buds each year. The buds try to grow and open but they have small, hard white spots/growths on them that deform them and keep them from opening. The spots don't brush off and are part of the closed, develpiing petals. I have many Rose of Sharons including one that is next to the infected one. The branches of both grow in one group and the uninfected plant flowers beautifully so far each yr. I treat all my Rose of Sharons with the same insecticides, fungicides, furtilizers, etc. I can't anything on the internet that looks like what my plant has and I can't find anything that fits the description of what my plant's buds look like and act like. I took a bud to a local nursury and they didn't know what was on it. Would your department do a free evaluation if I send you some samples?