My Camellia Bush Has Buds But The Flowers Are Not Opening, What Can I Feed It To Make The Flowers Bloom?

Question

I have a very large Camellia bush that actually is a tree. I have several on my property in different colors. However, my very favorite Camellia has many buds but the flowers are not opening. Therefore, I need to know what can I feed it now as I read that I should not feed them until the first of Spring. This is my favorite as the color is awesome, it is red and white and I call it candy cane. Please let me know, all my other Camellia are flowering, several pink, white, but no candy cane.

Answer 1

There are several possibilities. Petal blight is a fungal disease usually due to excessive moisture. Buds may drop, or if the flowers open they turn brown and drop. Another issue is bud drop which occurs when there is too much or too little moisture, nutrient deficiency, cold weather, or not enough light. Drought stress can also inhibit buds to open as can too many buds on the tree. Use an acid plant fertilizer March, April and May. Then again in the fall. Here is more information about these issues and how to fertilize camellias.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/identifying-and-fixing-problems-with-camellias.htm

https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/ASK_US/THELEAFLET/?uid=43&ds=1016

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/camellia-diseases-insect-pests/