A recently transplanted camellia tree that is about 8 feet tall does not look very well. The leaves appear "droopy" and it looks like it's on its last leg. But the ends of the branches are producing new leaves and flower buds. What can I do to save this tree?
It's proabably suffering a bit of transplant shock. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
My camellia has lost many leaves resulting in bare branches. The remaining leaves are dark and many of the remaining leaves look as though they have been eaten. What causes this?
Excessive leaf drop my indicate overfertilizing or be a sign of too much/too little water. In addition, it could be a sign of leaf gall. The following article should be of some help to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/identifying-and-fixing-problems-with-camellias.htm
Most pests that feed on camellia leaves can be treated with neem oil.
My camellia plants have scalesĀ and look powdery. The branches also have the same look.
If the powdery residue is black, this is sooty mold, and a byproduct of the scale. This article will help you with getting rid of it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
Neem oil can help as well. In addition to treating the scale, it is also a good fungicide. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
Lots of flowers and buds but the flowers fall off quite quickly. Also, lots of brown, yellowing leaves. It is about 8-9 ft tall and does not get full sun as it is near the house facing north. Last year was bad and because of severe weather in late Nov and December (2010), only had a few flowers as most of the buds turned brown and fell off.
There are a few things that could be causing this such as fungus, thrips or environmental.
I would check the plant for thrips first. They are small, but would be found at the base of the flower buds. If you suspect thrips, this article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-thrips.htm
Also, as a precaution, treat the plant with a fungicide. Increase water to the plant and check for root damage, as this can also affect how well the plant can take up water.
Our camellias stand about 16 ft. and are an ugly mess. I don't know if they should be cut back to the undergrowth or if I should just try thinning them. The came;lias are in front of our house and cover all windows.
Yes, it sounds as if pruning is in order, though I would not cut more than a third of the shrubs in a given year. This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/pruning-camellias-how-to-prune-a-camellia-plant.htm
On the yellowing leaves of my camellia plant, I notice a slight profusion of tiny, immobile raised brownish bumps on the undersides of the yellowing leaves. I can't find a corresponding description in the research I've done, and wonder if you can help.
The bumps are most likely scale insects, which are causing stress to the plant, thus reaulting in the yellowing of leaves. You may also notice a sticky substance, called honeydew, on the camellia as well. You can try treating your camellia with neem oil and this should help take care of the pest issue. These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
My neighbor has the most beautiful camellia bush and I would like to take a cutting and start one of my own. Is this possible? What is the best way to do this? I am in the Pacific Northwest and not sure what the zone is.
Yes, you can take cuttings. The following articles should be of some help to you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/growing-camellias-how-to-propagate-camellias.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/how-to-root-cuttings-from-various-shrubs-bushes-and-trees.htm