Camellia Flowers Obscured By Foliage

Question

We have a beautiful camellia with flowers ranging from red through pink to white BUT you can’t see them as they are obscured by the leaves could I improve this by selective pruning of obscuring foliage when buds form?

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Answer 1

Rather than pruning, I would test the soil and boost potassium and phosphorus. Since these shrubs requires acidic soil, there will be a need to lower pH and correct potassium and phosphorus issues. There may be a little more nitrogen than the soil needs, as well. The shrub is flowering a little less than it should be, so correcting these parameters will likely help.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/caring-for-camellias.htm