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Camellia Issues
thekarter
Posts: 5
Hello
I hope someone can help. We have a Camellia that is approximately 18 years old (See photos). It was in a pot for the first 5 years and then put into the border. As you can see it is in a pretty sorry state. We have another Camellia next to it that is thriving. Can anyone suggest what we can do, if anything. Please note my knowledge of gardening is minimal.
Thanks
Chris
0
Posts
So for 13 years, it's been in that same spot? I have to admit, that is not a good size for an 18 year old shrub. Have you tested your soil to see what PH it is growing in? They grow better in neutral to acidic soils. The leaves show signs of stress and need sequestered iron feed.
Long term, you need to look into giving this shrub a nice mulch around the base area because these shrubs don't have a deep root system, so it's very possible looking at your soil condition, your shrub is suffering from lack of water too. No water means no chance of bud development. Don't water from the tap, collect water from the rain and water in the summer months. They like sun, but in scorching sun all day long, they can suffer so think about the spot you have planted in, as the sun and the dry soil combination is enough to stress it.
It's interesting you say another Camellia shrub is thriving, but maybe it's in another aspect or has dappled shade?
Three basic steps to successful Camellia cultivation :-
1 Permanently moist acidic soil ; use only rainwater .
2 Preferably dappled sunlight , but not too deep shade .
3 Regular low-nitrogen feeding throughout the growing season , well into autumn .
4 Don't plant it facing east where early sun can thaw frozen buds too fast and kill them.
Yours looks parched and starved. Give it a serious soaking with at least a couple of gallons of rain water or soft tap water before you mulch it.