My Camellia has leaf yellowing around the edges (about 2mm/3mm). Can you help and give me a cure please?
Many factors can lead to leaf yellowing. This article can provide more info on the issue: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/plant-leaves-turn-yellow.htm
As for problems affecting camellias specifically, you may find this article useful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/identifying-and-fixing-problems-with-camellias.htm
I need to massively prune my camellia bush. It is at the top of my roofline and I want to cut it back to about 4 feet. When is the best time for this pruning, and can I just cut it back to the large branches without causing harm? If I cannot prune as needed, I may have to remove the entire plant, which I prefer to leave in its original spot of 30 years. I need to know how far I can safetly cut it back.
I would only prune it back by 1/3. You can follow up next year with a pruning of 1/3 again. Any more than 1/3 and most plants start to have problems. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/pruning-camellias-how-to-prune-a-camellia-plant.htm
My camellia plants all have small brown buds, which fall off and never bloom. Also, the leaves look like they have black powder all over the top of them. What is causing this, and how do I treat?
That is caused by sooty mold. Here is more information on treating it: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
My camellia was fine one week and the next thing I knew every leaf and bud had dropped off! It is putting out new growth slowly, but what can I do to stop this from happening again?
Did you fertilize it right before that? That level of leaf drop can occur when the plant gets too much fertilizer. But, it can also occur if it is over or under watered. Wind may have over-dried it, causing it to act as if it was underwatered. Other than that, I am not certain what would have made all of the leaves fall of that quickly.
When do I fertilize my camellia, and what do I use?
Fertilize camellias during their growing season as soon as growth buds appear active. If a higher nitrogen fertilizer is used, it may be safer to use half the recommended dosage. Use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for camellias (or azaleas), as they prefer an acid-loving type. Many gardeners also use cottonseed meal as a growth fertilizer. This product is less likely to cause burning, which is likely from fertilizers with higher nitrogen levels.
The bush is 2 years old and had 2 really heavy frosts. It looks good and healthy. Zone 7a I am new to camillas and need to know when and how much to fertilize. It is still blooming after losing all but three buds.
Fertilize in the spring when the plant fist comes into bud and then fertilize every 2 months through spring and early summer. Stop fertilizing in mid summer.
Look for a camellia specific fertilizer and use amounts according to the label.
I have a lovely camellia bush that has grown so tall in front of a window that it is blocking both the window and light. If I prune it after blooming this spring, can I prune it to half its present size, or will that be too much?
I would only prune it back by 1/3. You can follow up next year with a pruning of 1/3 again. Any more than 1/3 and most plants start to have problems.