What Is Causing This?

Question

Just two years ago this Camellia japonica Brushfield Yellow was healthy. Dark green shiny leaves and an abundance of yellow and white flowers. Last year I had a problem with sooty mould on the leaves but still loads of flowers. This year once again, the bush provided us with a beautiful display of flowers, but the leaves are not fairing so well. My husband used Neem oil a few weeks ago, but the leaves have not improved. Any advice please?

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Answer 1

This could be an issue with a lack of phosphorus, but Neem oil will almost always burn plants if used when it is sunny. I would suspect that this has much to do with the problems that you have been having, as well as symptoms of stress from the treatment.

Fortunately, you can test for nutrient imbalances and pH issues:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-sure-soil-drains-well.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia

Answer 2

BushDoctor thank you for your quick reply! When my husband applied the Neem oil we did not spray it on our camellia bush but poured the Neem oil mixture around the drip line of the bush. Could that have still caused this problem? Thank you for the links I will look at them.