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Camellia ‘Volunteer’

Sarah248Sarah248 Posts: 44
in Problem solving
I bought this camellia in early February in full bud, but it seems to have just sulked ever since then.
The buds seem to have just browned off and died and I’m not sure if it’s my imagination, but the leaves also look more of a mossy green than a fresh dark green. 
It’s potted in ericaceous compost and I worked in a small handful of slow release camellia/rhododendron feed granules when I planted it.
Any ideas please over what I might have done wrong? Is it possible it’s because it’s just been so wet and cool this spring? I’m in the south west of England. Also, should I remove the dead buds too?
Many thanks. 

Posts

  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    edited May 2023
    Hello Sarah
    Remember that your plant has probably spent all of its life under the protection of a g/house or polytunnel . Since February it has had to endure what I would call an involuntary adaptation to conditions outdoors ; cold/warm drying winds , rain , frost and anything else the UK climate can throw at it . To call it a 'shock to the system' would be an understatement .
    Contrary to popular belief , Camellias actually thrive in cooler and damper conditions , preferably in semi-shade , but only as established mature specimens .
    If mine I would place in a cool situation , semi-shaded and sheltered from winds until you decide where to plant it .
    You say it's planted in ericaceous soil which is good , but remember to only use rainwater if you're in a hard-water area otherwise the purpose of the compost is negated.
    Good luck with your plant , I've seen a lot worse and have every confidence it will recover .
  • Sarah248Sarah248 Posts: 44
    Hello Paul,

    Many thanks for your reply - much appreciated.
    Good point, I hadn’t realised that it’s probably lived a ‘pampered’ life until I bought it at the garden centre. No wonder it’s having a bit of a sulk! 
    Because my area is very chalky and therefore alkaline, it will always have to be container grown so I think I’ll move the pot and put it in the borders amongst other shrubs so it gets so protection - great advice. And yes, because of the chalk, I am in a very hard water area but have been using only rainwater, not that I’ve needed to water it much since I got it with the endless wet weather! 
    Do you think I should gently remove the dead buds as they’re clearly not coming to anything by now? 
  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,154
    By all means remove the aborted buds , they'll serve no purpose now ; better luck for next year . We too are in a very hard water area in East Lincolnshire ; fortunately our garden soil is a naturally friable neutral to slightly acid loam ; you have to go down four-feet before hitting the clay underneath .
    My three Camellias (presents for my wife over the years) all thrive by simply planting in the ground with no soil modifications needed .
    Again , good luck with yours ! ;)
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