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Camellia

auds448R46CKbIauds448R46CKbI Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi
My mum bought me a camellia many years ago. The first year it flowered and was beautiful. I have fed and watered it every year carefully through since. But every year it gets an abundance of buds that never open. 
We can not understand it, and have been considering putting it into a pot, before we get rid of it completely. My mother in law has one that blooms freely in abundance and it’s never watered or fed ! 
Please advise

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    It needs loads of water in later summer into autumn. That's when the buds are formed for the following year. If buds form but don't open, it's generally one of two things. Either they're frosted, or it's too dry for the shrub to successfully open them. In many areas, early spring can be very dry, and shrubs will sacrifice flowers to save foliage.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • auds448R46CKbIauds448R46CKbI Posts: 3
    Ah thank you Fairygirl. Perhaps transplanting to a pot is a good idea to control the water and frost issues. We are in the North East after all. It’s just frustrating as my Mother in laws is so different with no work going into it at all. Lol 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They need a lot  of attention in pots to be successful. 
    In the ground, they need a reasonably sheltered spot to protect them from morning frost, and ideally some shade. In sun, they dry out very rapidly. A plant in isolation will always be more vulnerable too.  West facing is usually good. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • auds448R46CKbIauds448R46CKbI Posts: 3
    I honestly can’t do much more with it in the ground as it is extremely well cared for. It’s in a sunny border but loses midday sun then gets it back in late afternoon. It can’t stay in the garden as it is, never flowering but growing bigger. Thanks for you advice. 
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