Camillia leaf drop - Ask Extension
One camellia suddenly dropped most of its leaves virtually all at once within the last 2-3 weeks. I can't give a more accurate time since I recently ...
Knowledgebase
Camillia leaf drop #903488
Asked May 29, 2025, 3:27 PM EDT
One camellia suddenly dropped most of its leaves virtually all at once within the last 2-3 weeks. I can't give a more accurate time since I recently had cataract surgery and have not always been outside in that part of the yard as I normally would. I don't know what causes this. If this is a root problem that can't be treated then I assume that I need to replace this plant with something different. Perhaps even remove some soil. The location is on the south side of the house against the side fence. There is no sun in the winter due to the neighbor's fir trees (to the east and south) and due to their 2-story house midday. Two photos are included. One shows the leaves on the ground; the other is the best I can do to show the whole plant.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Before jumping to a root rot diagnosis for your Camellia, let’s troubleshoot it a bit more. How do the leaves look? Are there partially scalded or distorted leaves on the ground or remaining on the bush? Is the soil especially wet in this location, either due to winter poor drainage or in summer due to irrigation? (Has the irrigation leaked here, causing overwatering last summer?)
Looking closely, do you find any insects on bark or leaves? There are scale insects that can look brown (similar to these). Other scale are cottony, (see final photo here).
Right now, I suggest you clean up dropped leaves and do not compost onsite, in case there’s a fungal issue. Wait and see how the plant responds, don’t dig it out yet. If there is a root rot diagnosis, a resistant type of plant should be chosen as a replacement. Removing additional soil isn’t required because you can’t really remove the disease.
Looking closely, do you find any insects on bark or leaves? There are scale insects that can look brown (similar to these). Other scale are cottony, (see final photo here).
Right now, I suggest you clean up dropped leaves and do not compost onsite, in case there’s a fungal issue. Wait and see how the plant responds, don’t dig it out yet. If there is a root rot diagnosis, a resistant type of plant should be chosen as a replacement. Removing additional soil isn’t required because you can’t really remove the disease.
