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Camellia with ash type virus

CopperdogCopperdog Posts: 617
in Problem solving

imageJust pruning this camellia back and noticed some of the leaves look as though they have ash/dirt on? Hadn't noticed before. There are some healthy new shoots too. Will this recover? I prefer not to use  chemicals. Will a good prune and feed do the job? 

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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    That looks to me like old honeydew from an earlier aphid or scale infestation, which has now grown a sooty mould.  You may be able to remove it with a damp cloth.  

    The leaves look a bit yellow - could your camellia do with a feed? 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • CopperdogCopperdog Posts: 617

    Thanks dove, yes soot is the word I was trying to think of! Ok I will carry on pruning to shape, what would you recommend to feed it Please? 

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    I don't grow camellias, but my parents did ... they used a specialist camellia feed but I can't remember which one ... Burncoose Nurseries  (I have visited and have seen their plants which all looked in very good condition ) recommend Vitax Q4

    http://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/page.cfm?page_ref=camellia_care_article 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • CopperdogCopperdog Posts: 617

    Thanks kind of you to go to trouble of such a detailed reply - especially when you don't even grow that plant! thanks Dove image

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    Glad I could help image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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