Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Camellia

moonshinemoonshine Posts: 22
in Problem solving
My camellia was planted in 2020 and has yet to flower. I have recently noticed this whitish layer at the new growth and some deformed leaves. Any ideas?
«1

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    One thing they do need is lots of water August into Autumn as that is when they set the next years buds.  
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    Many Camellias sold from big chains won't flower in Scotland, especially the white ones. I read this on the Glendoick website.
    Sunny Dundee
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Yes I think @Fairygirl has mentioned just that.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    What size was it when you planted it, and how are you growing it? They're generally easy here, but it can take any shrub several years to be mature enough to flower well.

    The white ones can be iffy up here due to the climate.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • moonshinemoonshine Posts: 22
    My concern wasn't about the fact that that it hasn't flowered - I know that can take time.  It was more about the white appearance developing at the new growth and the distorted leaves.  We live in an area where camellias flourish - mine is a red one

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I can't see any problem there. I did wonder why white camellias were being mentioned - I assume it's misunderstanding about the 'white' bit.
    The distorted leaves could be a result of various things, hence my question about how it's being grown  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • moonshinemoonshine Posts: 22
    Hi Fairygirl - I've attached a couple of pics of where it is growing.  It gets morning sun - has some shelter in the afternoon and gets some evening sun
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I can't help with your curling leaf problem but I do know camellias don't do well grown in early morning sun in frosty conditions because it causes their flower buds to thaw too fast and they go brown and die so consider moving it this autumn.   As has been said, they do need plenty of water from August into autumn (monsoon season at home) as this is when flower buds form.   

    They are fine in some shade but they also cope with full sun once their roots are established.   They grow very well here in sunny western France but we don't usually get any frosts past March and then just a nip that won't freeze buds solid.

    They are ericaceous so if there's any lime or calcium in your soil or water that will affect its ability to absorb nutrients such as iron and magnesium but you can fix that by watering with sequestered iron and a solution of magnesium salts diluted in rain water.

    Is it exposed to cold winds?  That may make the leaves curl a bit if they get desiccated.  If not, look closely for pests.

    The THS has this info on common camellia problems - https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/camellia/frequently-asked-questions 


    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • moonshinemoonshine Posts: 22
    Thanks for that. We rarely get frost here (coastal) and if it's forecast at all - I usually cover up. It's in a fairly sheltered spot, so not overly exposed to cold wind. I planted with lots of ericaceous compost and top dress in the autumn, but interesting about the additions to watering.  There is an amount of chlorine in the tap water here, so I will make sure I always water with rain water. Thanks!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Frost isn't a problem for Camellias other than emerging buds/flowers if they're in an east facing site. No need to cover them- they can cope with quite hefty frosts. The tap water here is also fine, so no need to save rainwater.   :)

    The problem is - the site. Its right next to a big maple. That will be taking every drop of available water. 
    Even in the west of Scotland, there's a limit to what you can plant that close to a mature tree.
    It'll be struggling to establish and thrive, and will just be ticking over. 
    If you want it to flower, you'll either need to move it to a better site, or improve the soil conditions enormously and water a lot more. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sign In or Register to comment.