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How should I prune this withered Camellia

Daithi29Daithi29 Posts: 71
in Plants
Hi All, 

Was given this Camellia as it hadn't been looked after for the past couple of years but I have no idea where to start. 

It only had 1 miserable flower attached, and I know I should prune it after flowering, but should I just prune a little or be vigorous to regenerate it? 

Thanks 

Dave

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You can prune them quite hard. It's really suffering though.
    I'd cut it back about half way - to good leaf joints, then get it into a decent pot with a good soil based compost, or some soil and ericaceous compost. Water it thoroughly, and put it somewhere shady to recover, making sure it also has good drainage. A mulch is also useful after watering.

    Rain water is best unless you live here, where the tap water is suitable.
    Don't feed it - wait until it's growing and thriving, and cross  your fingers  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Daithi29Daithi29 Posts: 71
    Great, thanks a million Fairygirl. Should I prune it now or wait til June? 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd do it now. I don't see any point in waiting a month. It will only deteriorate further.
    It'll take a wee while to recover, so don't expect any miracles  :)
    They don't make good  long term pot specimens though, unless they get very good care, and a very, very large pot.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Daithi29Daithi29 Posts: 71
    Thanks so much. I'll pot it into a fresh pot and prune it tomorrow and then I'll plant it once its recovered next season 👍
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