Can you tell me what is wrong with my camelia bushes? I've sent pics to show you how they look because its too hard to describe. I've done everything to the letter that is suggested by several books, web sites etc..for pests and diseases(ex:aphids, thrips, sooty mold...). I clean up debris and also thinned bushes and got rid of infected leaves. Nothing helps. what's eating my camelias? Help!
This is a fungal infections. Fortunately the answer is a simple one. Wettable sulfur and dolomitic lime will cure this right up. The sulfur will cure the disease while the dolomitic lime will help buffer the pH, so that it does not swing too low because of the sulfur.
Now the cause of this. This can usually be caused by overly wet soil. If this is out of your control, then your only method will be treating as it occurs.
It does not appear to be Mottle Leaf Virus, but if you do notice that the treatment isn't working than this could be the unfortunate case. There is not treatment for this disease, and Camellias can never be planted in this spot. I really don't think this is the case, but be on the lookout for bright yellow spots that will quickly take over.
This is a collection of articles that will help you identify future problems and solutions for the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/
The camellias are new, having been in the garden only 2 months, should they be watered on a regular basis even in freezing temps?
No, these will require much less water in the winter time. Only water when the soil starts to get dry. This should be significantly less in the winter, than in the summer. Here is an article for more information on their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/caring-for-camellias.htm
I have several old, tall camellias 15' plus,, I'd like to get them down to about 6' or 8' as they now bloom almost out of sight. What is a safe way to do this? How extreme can I be?
Overgrown camellias can be rejuvenation pruned (severely pruned) in late winter or very early spring. You can remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the camellia's overall size, or you can even cut them all the way to the ground to essentially start again with a new plant. They probably won't produce many flowers the first year, but they will come back to full flowering the following year.
Here is advice for more routine, maintenance pruning:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/pruning-camellias-how-to-prune-a-camellia-plant.htm
how to prune a 7 ft tall camellia into shape of a tree?
Here are some articles that will help:
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/node/398
https://www.americancamellias.com/care-culture-resources/general-culture-requirements/pruning-camellias
Pruning a large camellia into a single-trunk tree can be done, but it may be difficult depending on how it has grown so far. It can be easier to convert an overgrown camellia into a tree form with multiple trunks- you would still remove all the lower branches that come off the chosen trunks.
They can also be cut back severely, in case you want to effectively start again:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=194
My Camellias bloom in November. As soon as they bloom the temperature drops and we get slight snow sometimes. Of course they get frost bite. How can I get my Camellias to bloom earlier?
Unfortunately, you can't change the blooming time of the camellia you already have. But, you may be able to make your camellia more cold-resistant by making sure it's in optimal health and taking a few protective measures, as described here:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/camellia-cold-damage.htm
Here is more information about camellia care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/caring-for-camellias.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/camellia-fertilizer-info.htm
You can also consider adding different camellia varieties to your garden- many are available that bloom earlier, and there are some varieties that are known for cold tolerance.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/camellia-japonica/
What causes this and what do you do to prevent it?
This could be a leaf virus.
These links will help you identify the issue.
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/shrubs/hgic2053.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/identifying-and-fixing-problems-with-camellias.htm
I have 1 plant that was here when I purchased my home in 2002. It has been fertilized over the years, but the blossoms form then drop off before opening.
Camellia bud drop can be caused by a few problems, most of them stress related. This article should be able to help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/camellia-flowers-not-opening.htm