Sick Camelia! Please help!

2oaktrees

The leaves on my Camelia have started to brown and look coppery. All the buds are starting to brown and fall off before opening. It has been in shade in the corner of my south facing garden all through winter. 

Few days ago, I replaced the top soil with ericaceous compost and gave it a generous feed with sulphate of iron. 

What am I doing wrong? Would be gutted if it dies 

Jason-3

Hi that looks like sun damage to me. I wouldn't worry too much unless it spreads further. Just keep the soul moist,  but dont over water. If its in a sunny position and potted you could move to an area with dappled shade if possible. 
Camelia like neither full sun nor full shade. A west facing aspect is about best

Fire

It is indeed always advisable to keep the soul moist. Never let it dry out.

Guernsey Donkey2

I wouldn't worry too much about the leaf discolouration 2oaktrees unless the camelia is pot bound - always keep the soil it moist but not soaking wet and as Jason said a little shade wouldn't hurt and move out of strong Easterly winds.  We have wind burn on our Camelias - where the leaves and flowers turn brown on the side facing East.

2oaktrees

Thank you for all your help @jason-3, @Fire and @Guernsey Donkey2 

I have moved it to our west facing wall, hoping that will do the trick and prevent further damage. The soil has always been moist and it’s not pot bound at the moment. I’m hoping it’s all weather related and will recover soon. Love your Camelia GD. 

Thank you for all the reassurance. 

  

Fairygirl

While frosts etc can cause damage to buds, especially if they get morning sun after a frost, but the main reason for them dropping before opening is due to lack of water in late summer when the new buds start to form for the following spring. 
It's essential that they're kept really well watered at that time of  year - being in a pot makes that very difficult. The right soil in the pot and thorough watering at that time will help, regardless of the weather at flowering time. 
The foliage damage is normal after winter weather.