Camellias behaving very differently - one turning yellow
Flosmos
Posts: 4
I recently moved into a new house, and the garden has six large mature camellias in it. They are all in the ground. One is in the front garden and seems to be extremely happy. Four others are in the back garden in a clump and, although overgrown, also seem to be happy. These five plants are all over 6 foot tall, and have many flowers and little to no yellowing of the leaves
The sixth camellia is on the other side of the garden, also planted in the ground. Other than being 10 meters away on the other side of the garden, there is little difference in its environment - similar levels of shelter, sun etc. However, it is only about 4 foot tall and has no flowers and only one bud. Its leaves are very yellow, except where the veins are, causing a vivid herringbone type pattern.
Why would this camellia be behaving so differently from the others? Surely the soil on one side of the garden can't be that different from the other side. I've bought some ericaceous camellia nutrient, just in case. Is there anything else that could be causing this?
Posts
I'd carry out a pH test on the soil Flosmos. There may be conditions within the soil that are seriously affecting the pH making it very alkaline. It's unusual but surprisingly common in gardens.
Okay thanks Dave, I'll order a testing kit
It sounds like a nutrient deficiency, caused by too much alkalinity. Check the pH and try a good dose of miracle grow for acid lovers. Top dress with peat to keep acid conditions.
Thanks all! I've ordered a PH testing Kit and I'll give the Epson salts a try. It's not near a wall, just a fence with a concrete base.
Moving it is also a good idea, I hadn't thought of that. Maybe I can find a location with more suitable soil
Oh okay! It never even occurred to me that that might be a problem, I didn't realise concrete could let out lime! It is a very new construction, from the looks of it.
Hopefully the fence on the other side, which has a similar type of base but is older, won't begin to affect the camellias on the other side of the garden! Thanks for your help
Concrete's a common cause - hopefully a move will benefit it.
It's probably been struggling a while. If you can move it near your others it should be fine if they are.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...