A few weeks ago, large brown ants had attacked the hibiscus plant covering the stem with a white coating and preventing any buds from forming and flowers from blooming. Recently some new dark pink//red hibiscus buds were visible, yet the ants are again attacking the plant very aggressively and the new bud which has emerged has not bloomed after a week. Usually the flower would bloom within a week of the bud being visible.
Any suggestions to drive away the ants from the hibiscus plant will be appreciated.