All the symptoms you describe are typical of a Camellia in soil that is too alkaline/lime. Some thoughts: -were they definitely planted in ericaceous compost? What are they top dressed with? - is the tap water in your area verylimy/does the kettle fur up? Over a period of time this would make the original acid soil more alkaline. Hence rain water solution as mentioned by Fairygirl. -a simple soil test kit would confirm/refute this possibility. - one other option is vine weevil larvae have got in the container and are eating the roots, in which case it's curtains. If you tip them out of their pots you will see maggot type larvae. Could also be some obscure root diseAse so worth having a root inspection.
Yes they were definitely in ericaceous compost. 100% certain. They are top dressed with ericaceous compost. The kettle never ever furs up. Vine weevil occurred to me although nearby plants are not affected like heucheras which are thriving in the garden soil. The Camelias are on a gravel path next to them. I intend to tip them out, shake off the soil, ifpossible wash the roots if that's safe to do and repot in fresh compost mixed with soil from a more acidic part of the garden where I have azaleas thriving. I searched for John Innes and it's not available anywhere online. Our local Garden centre is opening tomorrow but I wouldn't dare go near. People are already screaming "what time do you open; I'll be there an hour early". No way! If the camelias die it's not the end of the world. They don't look to be dying, they just don't flower and need food.
They're only going to be a massive chore if they aren't right for your garden, and you can tell your husband they're going to be a better place where they can thrive! Post on a local gardening page on Facebook or similar and leave them outside your house at an arranged time.
Or, just leave them outside your house with a sign saying 'free to good acidic home!'
Tempting. It may end up like that but I will try repotting and if they aren't picking up in a few months, they will go to someone who can do better with them. Sadly no gardening groups round here at all.
I have been reading all your comments regarding care of camellias - I have a lovely camellia bush - it flowers but the leaves but doesn't look healthy - the leaves have turned yellow - I have it in a woodland area of my garden beside rhodendrums, holly and fuschia any ideas what I should do?
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I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
-were they definitely planted in ericaceous compost? What are they top dressed with?
- is the tap water in your area verylimy/does the kettle fur up? Over a period of time this would make the original acid soil more alkaline. Hence rain water solution as mentioned by Fairygirl.
-a simple soil test kit would confirm/refute this possibility.
- one other option is vine weevil larvae have got in the container and are eating the roots, in which case it's curtains. If you tip them out of their pots you will see maggot type larvae. Could also be some obscure root diseAse so worth having a root inspection.
They're only going to be a massive chore if they aren't right for your garden, and you can tell your husband they're going to be a better place where they can thrive! Post on a local gardening page on Facebook or similar and leave them outside your house at an arranged time.
Or, just leave them outside your house with a sign saying 'free to good acidic home!'
It could be the same reasons as above. Soil not suitable etc
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...