camellia (Mrs. Lyman Clark)-leaf drop and leaf browning - Ask Extension
new plant, planted in April; used sand/soil/compost in the planting hole to promote drainage; problems started a month ago
I may have over-watered......
Knowledgebase
camellia (Mrs. Lyman Clark)-leaf drop and leaf browning #879691
Asked August 01, 2024, 9:26 AM EDT
new plant, planted in April; used sand/soil/compost in the planting hole to promote drainage; problems started a month ago
I may have over-watered...but my watering matched two other starter camellia plants and they have no leaf drop
two weeks ago, I covered the plant with remay, hoping to block sun scorch...that didn't help...more leaves dropped
pls advise
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
What a beautiful plant in flower!
Given the high heat and lack of rain this season, it has been a hard year for new plant installations, and even our established landscape plants are pretty stressed.
Camellias like consistent and even moisture but will resent wet soil. You are doing well.
Most of the browning looks like stress from leaf scorch.
You can pinch off the one in the second photo that is mostly brown and has a circular pattern to it and put it in the trash.
Overall though, the plant looks o.k. and has plenty of leaves to support itself.
Our area is right on the edge of winter hardiness for camellias and they can be difficult to keep alive, healthy and happy.
The ideal placement is in a sheltered, protected microclimate like close to the southside of a home. Mulch (no deeper than 3 inches and kept pulled back from the trunk/stems) is recommended during the growing season You can add more in late fall but remove excess in the spring.
Since these plants prefer an acidic soil, you could have a soil test done: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs/ and if needed, feed them in the spring with a fertilizer for acid loving plants.
Wrapping them in burlap for the winter isn't a bad idea.
Christine
Given the high heat and lack of rain this season, it has been a hard year for new plant installations, and even our established landscape plants are pretty stressed.
Camellias like consistent and even moisture but will resent wet soil. You are doing well.
Most of the browning looks like stress from leaf scorch.
You can pinch off the one in the second photo that is mostly brown and has a circular pattern to it and put it in the trash.
Overall though, the plant looks o.k. and has plenty of leaves to support itself.
Our area is right on the edge of winter hardiness for camellias and they can be difficult to keep alive, healthy and happy.
The ideal placement is in a sheltered, protected microclimate like close to the southside of a home. Mulch (no deeper than 3 inches and kept pulled back from the trunk/stems) is recommended during the growing season You can add more in late fall but remove excess in the spring.
Since these plants prefer an acidic soil, you could have a soil test done: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs/ and if needed, feed them in the spring with a fertilizer for acid loving plants.
Wrapping them in burlap for the winter isn't a bad idea.
Christine
Christine
many thanks for the reassurance!
Jim G
You're welcome. Enjoy those flowers!
