I would like to prune down our large Camellias, as they are blocking the sea view. My husband wants to slice through them with a chain saw and take about 2 foot off the top. This will open them up but will the shock be too much? They haven't really been pruned properly since my Dad died 13 years ago :-( Many thanks Judy Tyack
Pruning should be done when the plant finishes blooming.
Extensive pruning of your large shrub should be done over a period of years.
The links below will help you.
My young Camellia bush has started to get black marks and brown edges on the leaves. Do you know what may be affecting it?
This could be sooty mold:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/sooty-mold-on-camellia.htm
Or one of the other diseases described here:
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/shrubs/hgic2053.html
Does lime affect camellias?
A soil test can help you determine if your soil is acidic or alkaline.
Camellias hate alkaline soil.
If the soil is alkaline or has lime has been applied it can block iron and other nutrients from the Camellia.
A ph of 5.5 to 6.5 is the best range for Camellias.
Here are some links for you including a link to help you locate your nearest County Extension Office.
They can help you with a soil test for a small fee.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/caring-for-camellias.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/adding-lime-to-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
It is beginning to bloom. It is September 6, California central coast. Zip code 95076
I believe it to be a Camellia.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/growing-camellias-how-to-propagate-camellias.htm
My camellia shrub has just developed black edges around perfectly green leaves. I would like to know what causes the leaves to blacken on the outside.
This could be sooty mold, a fungal growth caused by insect infestation:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/sooty-mold-on-camellia.htm
Alternatively, it could be physical damage from a heat wave, or from high salt or fertilizer content in the soil:
Camellia leaves turn bronze then all new flowers and buds drop off. Even though the plant produces abundant blooms and buds, they are very short lived. How can I alleviate this problem, and what type of product should be used? We live in Homosassa, Florida 34446.
This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/camellia-flowers-not-opening.htm
Please help! My indoor camellia that looks healthy and has a lot of buds has started to drop them off before opening. The tips show a bit of brown. What can I do?
These articles will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/camellia-flowers-not-opening.htm
http://articles.extension.org/pages/35823/why-do-my-camellia-flower-buds-turn-brown-andor-drop-off-of-the-plant-before-opening