Camelia

amgreen004 · May 2020

What am I doing wrong with this Camelia? The flowers are falling off or going brown before they have fully opened.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/1d/2jc6g6eh3hdx.jpeg

Fairygirl · May 2020

Lack of water last year when the new buds form - late summer.
It's probably pretty dry in the location where it is anyway - up against the walls.

goochie · May 2020

Hi it is a bit yellow on leaves needs ericaceous feed and only rain water. Rain water especially in October onwards to enable buds to form. I have three and this always works well. Good Luck.

amgreen004 · May 2020

Thank you. Rainwater is a problem because it is sheltered by the house. Maybe we need to get a rainwater butt.

Fairygirl · May 2020

We don't have to worry about tapwater for them here, as our water is soft. I rarely need to water anyway at that time of year, but you could collect it in tubs and containers if you don't have a waterbutt. You need a large amount in at the roots, not from overhead, to ensure it gets right down- and it's late summer early autumn it needs the water.

Is it very sunny there too? It might get a bit scorched, but if it doesn't dry out, it'll cope well enough as it matures. Ideally, a bit of dappled shade is best for them

amgreen004 · May 2020

Thank you. Our water is very hard so rain water would seem to be a large part of the answer.

Fairygirl · May 2020

Any water is better than none though, if it's struggling

You can add some mulch afterwards too which will help retain moisture - bark is ideal if you have it, or can get it, but compost will do.

amgreen004 · May 2020

Thank you very much. I will try all these suggestions.

Camelia

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