Plant Doctor Archive

Something’s eating my camellia buds

Question MY camellias are full of buds and just as they are starting to burst they appear to be eaten. What is it that is doing this and how do you control it?

Answer IT could be slugs and snails or “balling” causing damage to your camellias.

If the buds are chewed it is likely to be slugs and snails — use an appropriate slug bait around the base of the tree.

If it is “balling” the buds will show colour but won’t open; they turn brown and drop. There are a number of reasons for this — frost, rain, or drought over the summer months. Plant late-flowering varieties if you suspect frost. Mulch around the tree in spring and autumn to help conserve soil moisture and prevent drying out. Regular watering in dry periods will also help.