Camellia Bud Drop

Question

I have a small greenhouse for my camellias. They are all doing beautifully, except for one. My Tomorrow Park Hill camellia had huge buds, which have all dropped before opening. I’ve noticed some dark, sooty substance on some leaves. Is the plant able to be saved? Should I remove it from my greenhouse? Could whatever is causing the bud drop spread to other plants?

Answer 1

This is sooty mold. It is a byproduct of a pest infestation, likely aphids or scale. This article will help you with getting rid of it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/sooty-mold-on-camellia.htm Neem oil can help as well. In addition to treating whatever pests may be affecting the plant, it is also a good fungicide. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm