Camelia not growing, but otherwise health and flowering

BenDover

I planted a Camelia in the garden at least 4 years ago, but despite looking very green, healthy and a good lot of flowers this year, it is not growing.  I think the roots must have got pot bound before I planted it and despite me thinking I would have teased the roots out, when I put it in the ground, its seems obvious that the roots are still going around in circles hence why its not growing.  I'd like to pull it out the ground and have a look - when is the best time to do that?  Immediately after flowing, or early autumn?  I have had camelia before in a another garden and then grew quite tall quite quickly so not expecting this to have been a slow grower.

 

BenDover

Thanks Verdun.   

BenDover

Just thought I'd report back.  Last week I renovated the border where the camellia was and dug up the offending plant, and the roots were no bigger than the pot it came out of four years ago.  Not totally clear why because they were fairly loose in the ground and no indication that it was still pot bound.  I took the plant up, removed all the soil, plunged it into a bucket of water for an hour, and replanted it in another part of the garden in new soil with combination of well rotted manure, compost and blood fish and bonemeal.  Just checked on it today and it's already got signs of throwing new leaf buds out!!  

Fairygirl

Result Tim! Hope that's it on the way now