Camellia flowers going brown.

Grays

Hi there,
First of all, at the risk of looking a bit daft, this is a Camellia isn’t it?
If it is, does anyone know why the flowers are going brown, it did the same last year aswell.
Is there any action I can take to prevent it?
Thanks in advance.

zugenie

I think it’s a natural part of the flowers ageing, they go brown as they are ‘spent’

punkdoc

Yes, the natural process of flower death.

Fairygirl

Unfortunately, the flowers don't last long. They can also get damaged by severe frosts [especially if they're in the wrong site] or rough weather.
The most important thing to ensure plenty of good flower buds next year, is to make sure it has adequate water in late summer. That's when the new buds are formed  

I see it's in a pot, which isn't great for them long term. Much harder to keep them happy.  If you have to keep it potted, make sure it's given fresh soil each year, not just compost, as that's not suitable for shrubs long term. A site with some shade will also help  

Grays

Thanks for the replies,
We have got plans to take it out of the pot and plant it, probably where our almost dead cistus is currently.
I suppose anytime is ok to transfer it from the pot to the garden?

Thank you.

Fairygirl

Yes- you can do it any time, but if you're doing it over the summer months, you'll need to be vigilant with watering until autumn/winter, especially if you're in a drier part of the UK   

Pianoplayer

Hi - just a slight alarm bell - cistus like full sun, well-drained soil, whereas camellia like some shade and shelter, and good watering, as Fairygirl says, ie almost the opposite requirements! What is the planting site like?

Incidentally, cistus are short-lived plants, so yours might have just reached the end of its life. The other thing that does for them is waterlogged soils.

Grays

Thanks again,
We will have a rethink on where to plant it then.
Bit more to this than just digging a hole and sticking a plant in isn't here. 

Cheers.

Tanty2

Hi Grays - remember with camellia that it shouldn't get any sun first thing in the morning, it likes an ericaceous soil and is happiest in a shady site.  Fairygirl is right about the watering!  I had one like yours but it was in the wrong site, wrong soil.  I now have a couple in a North facing ericaceous bed that gets no sun at all, and they're thriving (saying this quietly, just in case!)

Fairygirl

It doesn't need to be acidic soil for them - neutral is fine, as long as it isn't at the alkaline end of neutral. Plenty of moisture, decent drainage, and if you aren't in a soft water area, rainwater is best if they need any extra watering.
In a pot is always more difficult in terms of care   

The soil, aspect, surroundings - plants, buildings etc, and your climate, are all factors in the positioning of plants @Grays, plus the aftercare. 

katrinkemp

I have the same problem @Grays
@Fairygirl mine is quite large and established- but in full morning sun. Do you think moving it into a shady place will make it more happy?