Camellia

[puss_boots]

I have two Camellia bushes, the flowers don't last very long, such a shame they are so beautiful. Why do some of the buds not flower. Also what is the best way to look after them once the flowers have gone.

[woofgang]

this year, some of my buds got frosted and didn't open, also some of the flowers got frosted which shortened the show. The important time for them is late july to early sept which is when the buds form. Don't ket them get dry then. I don't do anything else to mine, they are the ground in a rich acid soil and just do their own thing, If I get yellow leaves i treat with an ericaceous plant food but that's about all

[tamborine]

My are still blooming. After rain I remove tainted flowers else they mould new buds. Mine thrive in poor sandy soil & I never cut/trim them, nor feed. They're south facing. I find new shoots growing up to 30' away - think that might be due to birds or squirrels ?

[carlton23]

Tamborine, yours are unique. They grow against the natural way of things. Mine face north in acid soil under the branches of a large acer tree to protect from frost in the south of UK and look beautiful at the moment.

[woofgang]

are you sure they are camellias?

[tamborine]

Mine are a deep pink & postbox red and bushes still laden with blooms

http://en.wikipedia.o...a_reticulata_RHS.jpeg

[puss_boots]

Thanks for all your replies.