Sorry to jump in on your topic Wonkywomble, but perhaps some one can advise on when to prune a straggly Camelia. I have one in clay soil that I put horse muck on and its very happy. Just inherited one about the same size ie 3' but its been in a pot and looks very leggy and lopsided
Think I'd leave till after flowering if it has any gina. They are usually fine, even after quite a hefty haircut. Plenty of tlc afterwards - food and water etc. Probably best to keep in a pot till some good new growth appears before planting out though. If you're worried about taking too much off, do it in a couple of stages.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Gina, I inherited one like that, it was so pot bound the bottom leaves were gone it was almost a lollypop.
I dug a really deep hole, mixed in some compost planted it right down deep, chopped a foot off the top, that was this time last year, because I didnt hold out much hope for it, I planted it on our road side verge, this is it this year. Its made all that growth in the year. You have to be bold and take the plunge with some things, this one paid off.
Well I would have put thd picture on if the site hadnt chucked the squashed tomato at me. I will try later.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
Sounds like Wonky needs a work party Dove, dont go only armed with muck, you have to take the forks and shovels as well.
She had a whole set of tools from us for her birthday last month, and her lovely hubby bought her a new lawnmower - no longer does she have to battle with bent forks and smashed spades (not to mention a hover mower that doesn't - hover or mow that is).
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
There's some lovely camellias in Ipswich sure your one could be one of them. I've inherited one in the garden here and it seems to thrive, through neglect if rest of garden is a reflection
Well...I'm armed with good advice now and weather permitting tomorrow to follow your wise words! thanks Verdun, Lyn, Winter, Ice and of course Dove/mother
Good luck with yours Gina, hope mine gets to the stage where it needs pruning!
Well I finally got in the garden at 4pm after sitting at my kitchen window drinking coffee and watching my water butt fill!
Took some pictures so going to try and be technical on the designated thread
Don't get ya hopes up folks....about the technological capability or the garden! Both take time
Very true! Thanks Wintersong It needs to be shaded from morning sun Wonky - otherwise you'll get no flowers - remember Grandma's pink one was outside the kitchen window facing north and shielded from the rising sun by the garden room.
To explain why - it flowers in the late winter/early spring, at the time of year when we're getting lots of frost - if the flower buds are frosted they need to thaw slowly - if the morning sun shines on them they thaw quickly and the cells burst and the flower buds die.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Posts
Sounds like Wonky needs a work party Dove, dont go only armed with muck, you have to take the forks and shovels as well.
Sorry to jump in on your topic Wonkywomble, but perhaps some one can advise on when to prune a straggly Camelia. I have one in clay soil that I put horse muck on and its very happy. Just inherited one about the same size ie 3' but its been in a pot and looks very leggy and lopsided
Think I'd leave till after flowering if it has any gina. They are usually fine, even after quite a hefty haircut. Plenty of tlc afterwards - food and water etc. Probably best to keep in a pot till some good new growth appears before planting out though. If you're worried about taking too much off, do it in a couple of stages.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Gina, I inherited one like that, it was so pot bound the bottom leaves were gone it was almost a lollypop.
I dug a really deep hole, mixed in some compost planted it right down deep, chopped a foot off the top, that was this time last year, because I didnt hold out much hope for it, I planted it on our road side verge, this is it this year. Its made all that growth in the year. You have to be bold and take the plunge with some things, this one paid off.
Well I would have put thd picture on if the site hadnt chucked the squashed tomato at me. I will try later.
She had a whole set of tools from us for her birthday last month, and her lovely hubby bought her a new lawnmower - no longer does she have to battle with bent forks and smashed spades
(not to mention a hover mower that doesn't - hover or mow that is).
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Don't forget to mention aspect someone? Novice gardener might need good advice
Well...I'm armed with good advice now and weather permitting tomorrow to follow your wise words!
thanks Verdun, Lyn, Winter, Ice and of course Dove/mother 
Good luck with yours Gina, hope mine gets to the stage where it needs pruning!
Well I finally got in the garden at 4pm after sitting at my kitchen window drinking coffee and watching my water butt fill!
Took some pictures so going to try and be technical on the designated thread
Don't get ya hopes up folks....about the technological capability or the garden! Both take time
Very true! Thanks Wintersong
It needs to be shaded from morning sun Wonky - otherwise you'll get no flowers - remember Grandma's pink one was outside the kitchen window facing north and shielded from the rising sun by the garden room.
To explain why - it flowers in the late winter/early spring, at the time of year when we're getting lots of frost - if the flower buds are frosted they need to thaw slowly - if the morning sun shines on them they thaw quickly and the cells burst and the flower buds die.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.