Did you check around ground level to see if something other than bugs is chewing at the stem? Sometimes critters like moles or voles will tear through a plant's root system underground causing the plant to wilt and eventually die or rabbits can chew around the base and girdle the stem. In general, wilting indicates a problem at the roots and the plant's water distribution system - whether too much or too little water or something (disease, etc), or a break in stem that is keeping water from getting to the leaves.

I think you are right - something is eating at the base of the stem. The whole thing cameoff this a.m. I am angry. I suspect a larger animal, as the fencing I use to keep my dog out, is bent! She can't get through the fence. Something chewed or broke the stem. Well the root system is in tact. Perhaps I can fix it for next year.

What should I do with only a few leaves showing?

Should I dig it up? Move it?

If you cut it off, the roots might sprout a new stem. If you think it is in a bad spot, you could try to move it while you can still see where it is. Who knows? You might be surprised and get something to show up this season.

I hae had this problem with my hibiscus, where one or stems wilt and they snap right off at the base. In my case, it was too much rain last year, and too much watering on my part this year. They always come back, or have. I live in the city, and have not seen any rabbits or moles or voles on my property. They leave tell-tale signs, so for me it was a cultural issue.

Susan

I have had my hibiscus inside all winter at first its leaves were turning yellow and then it stopped and was looking really good, just as I was about to put it outside it looked really good in the front but in the back it had a few wilting leaves and I took it outside and it looks like it is wilting more. I know it is probably in shock of being moved outside, should I water it more or less, is it going to survive, what is causing it?

A friend brought me 3 Hibiscus plants, he said they were Rose of Sharon, I don't know if he had them in shade or sun when he dug them up. I will post a pic of the plant and maybe you can tell me what the problem is and how to fix it. They are wilting and it seems like nothing I do is working to fix them.