Camellia needs help

[granny grump]

Granddad Grump has asked me if Ican ask for help

He has had a camellia for 4/5 years and it is suffering from leaf drop. He feeds and waters as required but it seems to be getting worse and the flowers don't look as lush as they should - any ideas?

[AlBags]

Exactly what is it planted in? ....
Ph of soil known?
Fed with sequesterd .. or iron based feed ...?
What direction is it facing, and is it sheltered and against a warm (house) wall?

[granny grump]

Hi AlBags No it isn't sheltered and grandad says he doesn'r know the ph. It is planted in a large plastic patio tub - it sounds as if there could be a lot of things he needs to do

[boxtops]

Sadly my neighbours have not watered their lovely potted begonia this spring, the buds are browning off without opening. I would rescue it if I could...

[boxtops]

Granny, my camellia is in a tub and it's doing very well. we repot if every couple of years and give it camellia granules after flowering. I don't think it's the tub.

[AlBags]

My tip:
Repot the whole tub now in ericaceous/soil 50/40 mix. Put in a sheltered/sunny spot.
Prune long leggy stems out at main stem. Shape lightly.
Don't allow to dry out. This coming season sets the flowering buds and quality of the plant for next winter's flowering.

[granny grump]

Many thanks for your help AlBags and Boxtops - Grandad grump is impressed and will take your advice on board.

Can you confirm the ratio of the soil please Albags 50/40 doesn't compute

[AlBags]

It doesn't .. no. : )
approx 60/40 down to 50/50 ... ericaceous to soil, is what I have used.

[granny grump]

thank you kindly

[AlBags]

No problem at all .. Hope it looks good again soon!