Camelia

Lynne.kerridge

Last year I bought a new Camellia and planted in a pot with ericaseous compost.  The buds all fell off and the plant died.  One garden centre said it was because the tub was under a Holly tree and camellias dont mix with Holly.  There was plenty of light and some shading from the holly.  Has anyone else heard of this idea?  Thx 

Lyn

I would say the garden centre is trying to wriggle out of refunding you.
I had two huge camellias under a holly tree with no bother at all. 
Ericaceous compost  drains very quickly so maybe yours didn’t get enough water,  or maybe you used tap water.  

Balgay.Hill

Buds usually drop because of frost.
Did you keep it watered, as it would struggle in a pot under tree cover without your input.

Fairygirl

The buds are formed at the end of summer, so if it wasn't hydrated enough at that time, they wouldn't form properly, causing them to drop. The plant hasn't enough resources to open them.
They aren't easy to maintain in pots, unless you have optimum conditions and climate.
Weather at the flowering time can cause it anyway - especially when planted where there's early sun on frosted buds, but it's more likely the former reason. 

Obelixx

I agree with thirst being the main problem.  They come from areas of Asia where they get rain in monsoon quantities from July/August and into autumn.   They need this rain to form their flower buds for next spring.   If they don't get it the buds will be dropped to save the plant and if they get much too little the plant will die.

Not worth trying again unless you have neutral to acidic soil in your garden and can plant it in the ground andr water butts so you can keep it moist with rainwater during dry summers.

If you must put it in a pot, it should be large and the compost should be John Innes type loam based compost especially for ericaceous plants.   You will need to feed it generously every spring and water it regularly - daily in hot spells - with rain water.

SophieK

From everything I have read, Camellias look to be very thirsty plants, so I would agree with previous posters that not being watered enough in the summer (especially late summer when buds form) may be the issue rather than the camellia's hostility to the Holly.

Inglezinho

Camellias - full sun, plenty of water, preferably lime free, and ericaceous compost. Good luck.

Fairygirl

Full sun? I don't think so! 

Lynne.kerridge

Thank you for all your comments.  I thought camellias preferred a bit of shade?  I had wondered if it was possible to overwater it as watered every day along with the rest of my tubs but maybe it got too dry during the winter months.  I did think the holly story was a bit strange but the guy who told me that didn’t have another agenda as it didn’t come from him and he didn’t try to sell me one!  Ok maybe try again.  Is it best to plant now  or leave til the spring .  

Fairygirl

If you have the right spot - plant it. Potted plants can be planted any time as long as ground isn't waterlogged or frozen.
Avoid morning sun if possible - a west facing site is ideal, assuming it won't just be out in the open completely. Dappled shade is perfect for them. They can cope with sun as long as everything else is right, but full sun without that is hopeless, especially excessive heat and sun. 
Even watering every day, it can be difficult to keep a shrub [any shrub]  hydrated if they're in a hot, dry spot. They also need good drainage, and oxygen around the roots, which is why it's so important to have the correct medium for them to grow in when potted. Compost alone is no use 

The holly thing is absolute rubbish 

Obelixx

Some camellias can cope with full sun but most prefer a bit of shade and none do well in a position where the early morning sun shines on frozen flower buds so avoid planting them in an east facing position.

This info may help you - https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/popular/camellia