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. May be attacked byaphis, scale insects and vien weevil. Two common fungal diseases areCamellia petal blight that causes flowers to turn brown rapidly, then dropand Camellia leaf gall that causes leaves to become distorted, pale, thick,and fleshy gradually turning white, then brown, then droping. Sanitation isthe best control: pick up and destroy all fallen blossoms as well asinfected ones still on the plant. Remove and discard any existing mulch,then replace it with a 4- to 5-in. layer of fresh mulch. Pick up anddestroy affected leaves before they turn white. Bud drop is a frequentcomplaint and, to some extent, is natural for all camellias (many set morebuds than they can open). It also may be caused by overwatering, summerdrought, or sudden freezes.

Garden Use
Camellias grow andbloom better in partial shade, with shelter from hot afternoon sun. Youngplants thrive under the shade of tall trees. Established plants (over 3years old, vigorous, and shading their own roots) require very littlesupplemental water but if required make sure the soil is well drained.Shelter from strong winds, particularly near the coast as they do nottolerate salt spray. Feed with an acid-forming azalea or camelliafertilizer in spring, after the flowers have dropped, and again in themidsummer if growth seems sluggish or foliage looks sparse and begins tolose its deep green color. Camellias make great container plants whetheroutdoors on a terrace or indoors in a cool greenhouse. Fill the containerwith a potting mix containing 50 percent or more organic material. Makesure the container has a generous drainage hole and is the correct size.