Scorched or yellowed areas in the center of leaves usually indicate asunburn. Overfertilising often results in burnt leaf edges, excessive leafdrop, or corky leaf spots while Chlorosis (yellow leaves with green veins)results from neutral or alkaline soil. Feed plant with chelated iron andamend soil with sphagnum peat moss and/or garden sulfur to adjust thepH. Tea scale is a common pest that look like tiny brown or white speckson the underside of the leaves. Sooty mold grows on the honeydew secretedamd infested leaves turn yellow and drop. To treat tea scale, applyhorticultural oil or a systemic insecticide such as acephate (Orthene) ordimethoate (Cygon), following label instructions. Two common fungaldiseases are Camellia petal blight that causes flowers to turn brownrapidly, then drop and Camellia leaf gall that causes leaves to becomedistorted, pale, thick, and fleshy gradually turning white, then brown,then droping. Sanitation is the best control: pick up and destroy allfallen blossoms as well as infected ones still on the plant. Remove anddiscard any existing mulch, then replace it with a 4- to 5-in. layer offresh mulch. Pick up and destroy affected leaves before they turnwhite. Bud drop is a frequent complaint and, to some extent, is naturalfor all camellias (many set more buds than they can open). It also may becaused by overwatering, summer drought, or sudden freezes.

GardenUse
Camellias grow and bloom better in partial shade, with shelterfrom hot afternoon sun. Young plants thrive under the shade of tall trees.Established plants (over 3 years old, vigorous, and shading their ownroots) require very little supplemental water but if required make sure thesoil is well drained. Shelter from strong winds, particularly near thecoast as they do not tolerate salt spray. Feed with an acid-formingazalea or camellia fertilizer in spring, after the flowers have dropped,and again in the midsummer if growth seems sluggish or foliage looks sparseand begins to lose its deep green color. Camellias make great containerplants whether outdoors on a terrace or indoors in a cool greenhouse. Fillthe container with a potting mix containing 50 percent or more organicmaterial. Make sure the container has a generous drainage hole and is thecorrect size. Prune after flowering to thin branching and control shape.