Dry Camellia

ElizaRose

This camellia was transplanted in June, and I thought it would do much better in its new place, because when it was dug up, it transpired that a bottomless compost bag was around its roots (my MIL's method for keeping plants contained). Erecacious compost was placed at the bottom of the planting hole and I tried to water it. It was looking OK for a while, but not as good as I hoped. What might be happening? (I'm trying to add a photo, but I'm having real trouble with it!)

Dovefromabove

Try reducing the size of the photo. That usually works. 😊 

Theveggardener

Click on the icon that looks like a mountain with a sun and see if that help.

ElizaRose

ElizaRose

I know how to post pics- I have a very old iPad which is not cooperative- my phone managed it.

Obelixx

If the rootball wasn't soaked at planting time it can be really hard to rehydrate.  Give it a bucketful of water - 10 litres at a time - every day for the next couple of weeks, even if it rains.  Pour it on slowly so it can soak in.

It's really important for camellias, azaleas and rhodos to have plenty of water now as this is when they set their flowers for the following year.  Once throrughly wet, give it a good thick mulch of well-rotted manure and/or ericaceous compost for the worms to work in over winter.

ElizaRose

Thank you obelixx. Yesterday I did have a hose dribble water slowly at the base for 20 min or so. I'll do as you say for the next couple of weeks. As you may know, it's been so dry in the east of the U.K.  
P.s. I hope I don't lose it. It was the first plant I bought for my garden. I got it from the Co-op!

Fairygirl

Have you transplanted it somewhere with a bit of shade? That will help too.
As @Obelixx says, don't lay off the water even if it does rain. You need consistent rain for it to have an effect.
Adding good compost and some manure/bark over the autumn and winter and into spring will also help, as it will benefit the soil generally. 
Don't expect it to flower next spring though, it'll take a while to get established again. Fingers crossed it will recover for you. 

ElizaRose

Thank you Fairygirl, I'll do as you suggest.

Fairygirl

You can also prune them, which can help with re establishment, but you may feel a bit unsure of that. Play it by ear for now, and see how it responds  

Lyn

I had one like that, my mum had kept it in a pot and it was a bit starved and leggy, I sawed the trunk down to about 6” from the base, planted it in the shade, I didn’t get flowers the flowing year but after that it was lovely, and still is.