there are blooms, but several buds have fallen on the ground. We just sprayed insecticidal soap on the plant. Is there anything else that we should do? I live in Alexandria, Virginia, where we have been having spring weather. Today is rainy and 76 degrees. I am not sure if the soil is acidic enough.
Camellias are susceptible to several kinds of problems. Here's an article that should help:
The bush bloomed beautifully now the leaves are curling as thou it is dying. We had high winds which I think may have caused it.
Leaf curl can be caused by a number of things such as over watering (is the soil damp/soggy to the touch) or under watering (is the soil dry to the touch), being root-bound (is the plant too small for its pot?), etc. If outdoors, is it possible it got injured by cold weather? Another possibility for leaf curl is herbicide injury caused by drift from any spraying that may have been done nearby. Curled leaves can be a sign of an insect invasion. Inspect your camellia for any signs of insects. One possible culprit are aphids which suck juices from leaves which then curl and become distorted. More information on aphids and recommended treatments can be found here:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-aphid-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/wind-injury-to-plants.htm
The camellia is growing in a pot.
You may have a weevil or beetle munching on your camellia plant. You may want to apply neem oil or speak with your local garden nursery about insecticides. Here's an article that will help:
they are 1-3" in length and vary in size configurations
We have just the article for you!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/camellia-leaf-gall-disease.htm
I have a young camellia plant in my main flower bed and a more mature one that was given to me over in my Side garden that both have a strange fuzzy white ball with what almost looks like a stinger sticking out of it. What is this??
It looks like an aborted flower bud, or a pollinated one. It doesn't look like anything to be overly concerned with.
If it starts to swell, then you will know that it has been successfully pollinated.
Here is an article for more information on the care of the plant:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/caring-for-camellias.htm
We have a beautiful Camellia ( Anticipation) which has flowered early every year profusely, this year being no different. The flowers are just about finished but we have just found a strange 'growth' at the end of one of the branches. It is very nobbly, buff colour with dark spots and what looks like buds at one end. Thinking it was a nest of some kind we cut it in half. However it has an open fleshy centre which is covered with a fine white hair. We have never seen this before. Can you help please ?
Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I will be unable to identify the issue. What you describe may be a seed pod, but it would be hard to say, without seeing the issue at hand.
In the meantime, here is an article that will help you with their care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/caring-for-camellias.htm
We have 2 well established Camellia Sasanqua White trees. Over the past few weeks the leaves have been turning yellow, and now we see they also have red spots. Do you know what caused this and recommend the best course of action? Many thanks, Sophie
This is what is known as shothole fungus! This article will help you with treatment:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/shot-hole-disease-fungus.htm
Thank you for your reply BushDoctor - it's good to know what the problem is. Looks like our long wet winter is what caused this shothole fungus...
The treatment is to remove all affected leaves and destroy them. I worry that these evergreen trees may never recover again since one is 90% affected the other about 60%. Can the trees survive with only a few leaves on??
Also the 2 trees are planted right next to a large and very beautiful climbing hydrangea... can the disease jump across? (Please no!)
Many thanks, Sophie