What's wrong with my Camellia?

The Bird Lady

My Camellia is ill!  It's been fed, watered, had no frost and has produced hundreds of buds.  A lot of them have flowered but there again, an awful lot have fallen off, the leaves are discoloured and the plant just looks very sad indeed.  It was repotted last year.

Any ideas?

Fairygirl

If it's in a pot, it probably needs to be in a bigger one - and with a soil based compost. It will have used up a lot of nutrition to produce a large amount of buds. 

Buds often drop if there's been a shortage of moisture in late summer the previous year, as that's when they form. 

You can use a foliar feed to help with the leaf discolouration. There are loads which are readily available and probably several  which are specifically suitable for Camellias. Epsom salts, diluted in water,  or a seaweed feed is also a useful tonic for foliage  

The Bird Lady

Thanks for your reply,  It was repotted into a larger pot last year, so it has plenty of space.  Summer was fairly wet last year plus I always keep all my Camellias well watered and well looked after, hence my surprise at the way it's turned out.  It's had Ericaceous feed but I'll treat it to a seaweed feed, thanks for that. 

Obelixx

If flowers are dropping off it's an indication the plant is stressed and taking measures to conserve energy.

Have you tried seeing if it is pot bound?  It looks like a big shrub so may be under-potted.

Have you checked the roots for vine weevil or some other nasty?

Have you tried giving it extra water with some tomato feed?   Rain is never enough for plants in pots except during the dormant season.  Camellias need plenty from mid July to late autumn or they will drop their flower buds.

Mark56

Is it receiving morning sun after frost or an easterly wind?