Camelia Problems

bobbobby · June 2023

Hello Forum,

I have an approximately 5 year old Camelia in my south facing garden. It was thriving until last summer when the heat got the better of it somewhat. This year the issues continue as the leaves are as in the above pictures. Can anyone tell me what the problem is and how to fix it. Thanks.

Fairygirl · June 2023

Wrong site for it and it probably hasn't recovered properly from being baked last year.
They like shade and moisture, with good drainage, and loads of moisture later in summer when the buds form - like rhodos. If you have a pic of the whole shrub that will help too

The right sort of soil is needed too- reasonably rich in organic matter - leaf mould etc, which also helps retain that moisture, and not alkaline. Very few of them can cope with that. If it was yellowing last year, it could be short of enough nutrients.
A struggling plant is always more likely to suffer from other pests too, and there are a few that they attract, but they're mostly very easy in the right conditions.

bobbobby · June 2023

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. Here's the whole shrub.

I've been picking off the dead and dieing leaves which is why it looks a bit sparse.

Fairygirl · June 2023

It'll be drier by being near the wall too - that always tends to be a rain shadow. Once they get dry, it's hard for rain to get right in where it's needed too, because of the canopy of foliage. Easier for deciduous shrubs because they can get a bit of relief in autumn/winter, and while new foliage grows.
If you water well - right in at the base, and mulch regularly with decent compost/bark or similar, that will help the soil, and will then help the shrub. Do it as often as you can through the next few months. The soil does look very dry, so just be aware of that, especially if you're in a drier area too. Don't be tempted to feed it though.
We've had very very dry weather for ages here, which is unheard of, and some shrubs and trees are looking like they're struggling, especially if they're a bit exposed to sun and wind.

It doesn't look too bad though. I've seen worse!

bobbobby · June 2023

Thank you so much. I'll do those things. It's something of a baby of mine as I've always loved their flowers and I've grown this from scratch. I'd hate for it to die.

Fairygirl · June 2023

I should have said - when you water, use a bucket of water or a large watering can full, and pour it slowly in at the base so that it gets absorbed properly, Do that every few days unless you're getting good, persistent rain. Add the mulch, and then keep an eye on it over the next couple of months re the water situation.
Just poke your hand down into the surrounding soil, and if it's nice and moist, then you can leave it for a few days longer before watering again. Don't make the mistake of watering a tiny amount every day as that encourages roots to stay near the surface. When they're really well established and the soil is good, they can cope with drier periods. They're quite shallow rooted, which is why long term dry weather can be difficult for them.

Fingers crossed it'll improve, and you can then give it a small appropriate feed later on.

Camelia Problems

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