Why Do My Camelia Flowers Go Brown And Drop Off Unopened?

Question

For 3 or 4 years now the flowers on my beautiful double white Camelia have turned brown before they open, then they drop off. The bush looks dreadful while this is happening. I used to think it was frost damage then rain damage, but this year has been sunny and warm and it has still happened (see enclosed photos taken in April). It is getting to the point of digging it out and replacing with something more reliable. I really don’t want to do that. I do feed my Camelia, Rhodo and azelias with ericacious liquid fertiliser regularly as our soil is clay and they were originally planted in ericacious compost, so what more can I do, please? I will value your advice. Thanking you in advance. Norma Matthews

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Answer 1

It could be due to mites or to under or overwatering. Is your soil acidic? It might be wise to get a soil test and see. You mentioned clay soil and they need well draining soil. So sidedress with some compost or peat moss and lightly work in if the clay soil was not originally amended.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/camellia-flowers-not-opening.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/treating-mites-on-camellias.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/caring-for-camellias.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/camellia/camellia-fertilizer-info.htm