Camellia Failure

Question

My one-year-old camellia (about six feet tall) is in a sheltered corner of my border. The flowers formed but did not open, then fell off. The leaves have been nibbled by something and the top leaves are not as green as they were.  I did see one or two of what looked like ants trotting up and down the main stem. Would they be the problem? I have fed the roots with the appropriate feed every ten days since the begining of February. Can you help? It looked so healthy while the buds were forming.

Answer 1

It sounds like you have thrips. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-thrips.htm