Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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We have a Camelia that was planted 3 years ago. It has never flowered or even grown and yet it refuses to die!! The leaves are not as dark green as they should be, more on the yellow side of green. I have tried many things. Feeding, working compost into the soil, wood chippings to protect from frost in the winter and more recently have moved it from its sun and shade, to a sunnier spot. Nothing seems to make it happy. I would be grateful for any suggestions.
We have a Camelia that was planted 3 years ago. It has never flowered or even grown and yet it refuses to die!! The leaves are not as dark green as they should be, more on the yellow side of green. I have tried many things. Feeding, working compost into the soil, wood chippings to protect from frost in the winter and more recently have moved it from its sun and shade, to a sunnier spot. Nothing seems to make it happy. I would be grateful for any suggestions.
Camellia plants can be susceptible to several viruses, but the most commonly known is the Camellia Yellow Mottle Virus (CYMV). This virus affects the appearance and health of the plant, causing distinctive symptoms. However, without seeing a picture, I can't be 100% sure. Yellowing leaves could just be a sign of chlorosis which I discuss here.
A healthy Camellia japonica should look like the one below.
If you could reply with an upload of a picture, that would be great. Let's take a look though at what may cause yellowing leaves on a Camellia.
Symptoms of Camellia Yellow Mottle Virus
Yellow Mottling: The most characteristic symptom is yellow or pale green mottling on the leaves. This can appear as irregular patches or streaks.
Distorted Growth: Infected leaves may become distorted or develop an uneven texture.
Reduced Vigor: The overall growth of the camellia may be stunted, and the plant might appear less vigorous.
Flower Deformities: In severe cases, flowers can be affected, showing discoloration or irregular shapes.
Transmission and Spread
Propagation: The virus is often spread through vegetative propagation, such as grafting or cuttings from infected plants.
Insects: Some insects, like aphids, can act as vectors, transferring the virus from one plant to another.
Tools: Contaminated gardening tools can also spread the virus, emphasizing the need for sterilizing tools before use.
If Camellia is really not happy or doing anything useful, it may be an idea next year to either donate it to someone who loves Camellias or simply change it to a different shrub. You could always cut it up and compost it. Life is too short for moody plants that you have no burning fire for!
Camellia plants can be susceptible to several viruses, but the most commonly known is the Camellia Yellow Mottle Virus (CYMV). This virus affects the appearance and health of the plant, causing distinctive symptoms. However, without seeing a picture, I can't be 100% sure. Yellowing leaves could just be a sign of chlorosis which I discuss here.
A healthy Camellia japonica should look like the one below.
If you could reply with an upload of a picture, that would be great. Let's take a look though at what may cause yellowing leaves on a Camellia.
Symptoms of Camellia Yellow Mottle Virus
Yellow Mottling: The most characteristic symptom is yellow or pale green mottling on the leaves. This can appear as irregular patches or streaks.
Distorted Growth: Infected leaves may become distorted or develop an uneven texture.
Reduced Vigor: The overall growth of the camellia may be stunted, and the plant might appear less vigorous.
Flower Deformities: In severe cases, flowers can be affected, showing discoloration or irregular shapes.
Transmission and Spread
Propagation: The virus is often spread through vegetative propagation, such as grafting or cuttings from infected plants.
Insects: Some insects, like aphids, can act as vectors, transferring the virus from one plant to another.
Tools: Contaminated gardening tools can also spread the virus, emphasizing the need for sterilizing tools before use.
If Camellia is really not happy or doing anything useful, it may be an idea next year to either donate it to someone who loves Camellias or simply change it to a different shrub. You could always cut it up and compost it. Life is too short for moody plants that you have no burning fire for!
Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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