Camellia Pruning

Question

I live in the Gulf Coast and my camellias get scale/mold on the underneath side of the leaf. When the plant stops blooming, is it ok to cut off all of the leaves?

Answer 1

Removing all the leaves will harm the plant. I would recommend treating the plant with neem oil. I have found it to be very effective against scale and it is also a fungicide so will take care of the mold. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm